Cassadaga Valley Central School students recently showed their support for anti-bullying efforts.
A special assembly was held at the middle/high school building to conclude the week, highlighting the need to show respect and humanness to those around us. Dr. Tara DiDomenico-Sorrento, Rich Siegel and Heather Nocero opened the assembly to former students Jon Osterdahl and Joel Dibble for a special concert for the student body. The music further expanded on the themes of unity and ways to overcome diversity.
Sally Lawson, former teacher and graduate of Cassadaga Valley, also presented. Mrs. Lawson encouraged students to become involved in the upcoming 75th anniversary Celebration that will be held in October 2013. After relating some of the history of the district, she recounted the promise that each individual in the audience holds. Students at the high school level also performed a live skit, displaying the different roles that students typically play in bullying scenarios. The acting sequence encouraged students to take a stand against bullying.
Article Photos
Back row, from left, are Chelsea Kilbury, Emily Butcher and Erica Alaimo. Front row, from left, are Rebecca Keech, Robyn Keech, Danielle Sterner and Jenna Carlstrom.
At the end of the day, students made an anti-bullying pledge. Each student planted a red tulip and blue hyacinth in various new gardens established on school grounds to signify commitment to promoting respect and dignity each and every day.
The district has implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and has formed faculty committees such as the Character Education Committee and Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee. Such efforts, coupled with the student driven groups of Kindness Counts in the middle school, Cougar Pride Student Leaders at the high school and student mentoring has provided many opportunities and activities to promote positive interaction.