Congratulations to Birch, Chatterton and Levy Lakeside schools, as each building has officially been named a “No Place for Hate” school by the Anti-Defamation League.

“We truly appreciate your school’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students,” wrote the ADL Education team in an email sent to each school. “Without you, No Place For Hate would not be possible. Thank you.”

Birch, Chatterton and Lakeside are among the 1,800 schools nationwide to earn the coveted distinction in the 2019-2020 school year by completing activities that teach acceptance of all people.

Levy Lakeside School kicked off the program with a pep rally in the fall. Students also assessed their similarities and differences, then created individual faces with statements completing the sentence, “It is okay to be _____.”

Birch School’s Student Council representatives partnered with classroom teachers to lead discussions about respect and kindness. Students also contributed “feathers” to create a colorful, sprawling mural of a bird as a reminder of everyone’s soaring commitment to respect one another.

Chatterton School students created a colorful Tree of Respect. Each student was given a leaf made from construction paper to write one idea that shows respect to others. As part of the activity, every class read the book, “All Are Welcome,” and also held discussions about kindness vs. respect.

Additionally, every student at all three schools signed a special No Place for Hate pledge that they will treat people fairly, be kind to others even if they are not like them and tell a teacher if they see someone being hurt or bullied.

“We are extremely proud that all three of our schools have earned the very important and very meaningful No Place for Hate honor,” said Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Educational Services Dr. Jill Karp. “Thank you to the principals, the faculty and support staff, and, of course, the students for creatively demonstrating that Merrick UFSD is a place that welcomes and embraces all people and does not tolerate hatred toward anyone.”

Through its No Place for Hate initiative, the Anti-Defamation League identifies schools and communities that make a long-term commitment to combating bias, bullying and hatred by coordinating activities geared toward teaching acceptance of all people.