On September 21st, to coincide with the International Day of Peace, the North Shore School District kicked-off RED (RED is the acronym for Respecting each other as Equal and Different) - the beginning of an ongoing district-wide initiative recommended by the District Diversity Task Force to proactively and successfully create a school community that is a safe haven where differences and similarities are respected and celebrated. In 2008-09, the Diversity Task Force comprised of parents, administrators, trustees, faculty, students and residents collaborated to develop recommendations including: creating a definition of diversity, providing workshops in cultural proficiency for the faculty, staff, board trustees and community, and developing a program of community outreach.
To kick-offthe Respecting each other as Equal and Different initiative, administrators, students, faculty, and staff participated in a number of engaging educational. At the elementary level, the schools were adorned with red balloons, students and faculty came to school dressed in red, and classroom discussions featured introductory communication on peace and diversity. On the secondary level at the middle school, students and faculty watched a diversity presentation on SMART Boards in their advisory classes and the Global Citizens Club rang the “peace bell” at noon followed by statements promoting world peace. Principal Marc Ferris said, “In a place where everyone matters and everyone cares, we will all have the capacity to learn.”
But that wasn’t all! Another highlight of the day took place at Sea Cliff Elementary School when Principal Adam Frankel, Enrichment Teacher Diane Krupin, Physical Education Teacher Eileen O’Connor, and Custodian Doug Arena assembled all of their students, faculty and staff outside to form a gigantic peace sign. As the students walked to the back of the school, songs of peace could be heard by everyone in attendance thanks to Music Teacher Elizabeth Caruso. Superintendent Dr. Edward Melnick joined in the unifying activities. To everyone’s delight, the News 12 helicopter hovered in the sky above, as the students waved and screamed with joy! Principal Frankel said, “Coming together for peace reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing our students’ awareness of themselves and respect for the world around them.”
RED Day was just the beginning of the implementation of the many recommendations outlined by the Diversity Task Force. With the expertise and guidance of consultants from CampbellJones & Associates, the North Shore School District will be embarking on numerous educational programs and community activities embracing the theme of diversity. Please visit the district website for future updates regarding diversity.
Superintendent Dr. Edward Melnick concluded with, “We seek to provide opportunities for the North Shore Schools community to increase their understanding of others’ perspectives and beliefs. Creating a school community that is a safe haven for all of its members is a goal we all share. All members of our community can be empowered by embracing our similarities and differences and learning how to better resolve our conflicts.”
