Each year since 2009, Blackwell has been a No Place for Hate School. What does this mean? This means that Blackwell Elementary is dedicated to creating an environment of safety and kindness for all students. We teach all students a common language so that they know the difference between teasing and bullying as well as the "upstander" skills needed to help others. During one week in Ocotber, we celebrate a NPFH week, but we maintain other programs throughout he year like Diversity Day and Special Needs Awareness week to reiterate our mission to be a school that celebrate differences.
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2019-2020 is our 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
of being a NPFH School!
For 10 years Blackwell has earned the distinction of being a No Place for Hate school, but you may be asking yourself, what does that mean? In a nutshell it means that we are committed to having a safe place for your students to learn and grow. No Place for Hate is an initiative through the Anti-Defamation League, who has a longstanding commitment to securing justice and fair treatment for all people.
In order to earn the No Place for Hate distinction, Blackwell must apply each year. The application process includes:
1. Forming a committee of students, parents, and staff members.
2. Signing a pledge of commitment and displaying for all to see.
3. Implementing at least 3 school wide activities.
The first activity that Blackwell will be taking part in is our No Place For Hate Week. This is a week-long celebration where lessons on bullying, kindness, and tolerance are taught by the school counselors. These lessons lay the foundation of a common language students and staff use when defining upstanders and bullying. Here is an outline of how each day will be celebrated:
10-21 MONDAY: ‘No Place For Hate’ Kick off Day
Wear: No Place for Hate colors of black and yellow or a No Place for Hate shirt to show our commitment of being a safe place to learn.
10-22 TUESDAY: Hello Day
Wear: All students will be given nametags to wear so that we can all greet one another by name throughout the day.
10-23 WEDNESDAY:
Wear: Wear a jersey, sports related attire, or a Blackwell shirt.
10-24 THURSDAY: Kindness Counts Day
Wear: a shirt with a positive message today. If you don’t have one, you can make a sticker or sign with a message reflecting kindness and acceptance.
10-25 FRIDAY: Give Peace a Chance Day
Wear clothes from the 60’s/70’s like peace signs or tie-dye. Dress like the era of peace and love as we celebrate being peacemakers.
The remainder of the No Place for Hate activities will take place later this year. In February we will focus on diversity and tolerance with our International Night where we hope many of our families will showcase their culture and heritage. In May we will have a Special Needs Awareness Week sponsored by our Special Education Department. It is sure to be a huge success, just like in years’ past. Please check out our resource page, where you will find links to the videos that the students will see during these festivities. Thank you for your support and participation in these events. Feel free to let us know if you have any new ideas or want to participate in future planning of our No Place for Hate activities.