Leading by example. That’s what comes to Lauren Nemeth’s mind as she watched her fourth grade students at Edward J. Russell Elementary School sign the No Place For Hate pledge last Friday.
“It’s important that teachers are the first to sign, to lead by example,” said Nemeth after signing her own name first on the pledge.
She was followed by each member of her class, meticulously writing or printing his or her own name to the poster with the No Place For Hate promise.
The students had already taken the pledge earlier in the morning as Stephanie Tompkins, a fifth grader, had the honor of reading the pledge to all students over the intercom system.
“I promise to do my best to treat everyone fairly.
I promise to do my best to be kind to everyone – even if they are not like me.
If I see someone being hurt or bullied, I will tell a teacher.
Everyone should be able to feel safe and happy in school.
I want my school to be NO PLACE FOR HATE.”
This was the culmination of a week filled with activities all geared toward building community, friendship and trust in the No Place For Hate kick-off campaign.
In Kasey Watt’s fourth grade class, the students took each line of the promise and talked about what it meant to them.
“If someone is being bullied, help,” said Jillian. “If you can’t help, tell a teacher.”
“The pledge means our school should be no place for hate or bullying,” said Viola. “Everyone should feel safe and happy.”
Back in Nemeth’s class, Alyssa got the message loud and clear. “It means there is no hate to anyone, or anything or our school.”
It’s one thing to talk about it but are the kids seeing any results with the No Place For Hate campaign? They say yes.
Noah said people are being kinder to each other when they are on the “Buddy Bench,” a place where kids go outside when they don’t have a playmate.
Alyssa agreed with Noah. “People are helping other people at recess.”
No Place For Hate is a district-wide initiative in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). All seven Pine Bush school are registered as “No Place For Hate” schools and participate in activities, assemblies and workshops throughout the year, all in an effort to help children be caring, understanding and upstanding citizens.