William Floyd Elementary School recently celebrated their third year of being a “No Place for Hate” school and hosted a schoolwide “No Place for Hate” day! “No Place for Hate” is an anti-bullying program that encourages students to spread kindness and embrace inclusivity amongst their peers. William Floyd Elementary School principal Dr. Keith Fasciana, assistant principal Valerie Ennis and social worker Heather Cleary coordinated the program along with a student committee consisting of fifth-grade students who have proven to be responsible, respectful and positive role models. Together, they plan numerous kindness projects throughout the school year as part of their participation in the program, which included this special celebration of “No Place for Hate” day!

The celebration took place during WFE’s annual “Start with Hello” week and featured numerous activities that promoted kindness within the school. Students read all about the “No Place for Hate” pledge, which focuses on inclusion, acceptance and the reporting of any kind of discrimination or bullying that may take place at the school. After reading, reciting and signing the pledge, students then wrote or drew one way they can help make their school “no place for hate” on a colored handprint cutout.

The students worked hard on this project and had many meaningful conversations about kindness, people’s differences and acceptance of others. The completed handprints were proudly displayed in one of the school’s main hallways next to a “No Place for Hate” mural, which was designed by WFE art teacher Ms. Linda Lutzen. “This serves as a visual reminder to our students that our school does not tolerate any type of hate,” said Ms. Cleary.

Additionally, the student committee worked together to make English and Spanish versions of the pledge to display in the hallways along with the mural. Students also celebrated “No Place for Hate” day by either wearing green or wearing clothing with positive messages that helped spread kindness and unity.

Please see below for an additional album of photos!