National reports indicate that 41 U.S. states have put in place legislation to crack down on bullying in schools, a problem that is being exacerbated by Internet communications. Quail Valley Elementary School is addressing the problem in its own way through a comprehensive student/administrative program called, ADL Plains States, which is helping staff reduce bullying, name-calling and biased remarks on campus.
Aerial photo of Quail Valley Elementary students spelling “QVE-No Place 4 Hate.”
The program has helped QVE earn the designation of a “No Place for Hate” campus by the Anti-Defamation League of Houston. The school earned the title after completing such projects and activities as: school-wide signing of the Resolution of Respect form, completing three or more anti-bias school activities that suggest ways students can respond to hate incidents, and celebrating the school’s achievements through photography and video.
“Standing up to bullies and against bigotry is never easy for students, but ADL’s No Place for Hate initiative empowers the community—teachers, students, administrators and parents—to tackle bullying and intergroup conflict,” said Myrtle St. Julien, QVE counselor.
To support their efforts in promoting “respect, unity and character” among students, QVE recently held a “No Hate” rally that featured remarks from guest speaker and former QVE principal, Toni Mamula; a skit by the fourth-grade Destination Imagination team; the reading of the “Resolution of Peace” by Student Council president Kole Baker; a grade-level spirit competition; and an aerial photo of the entire faculty and student body spelling, “QVE – No Place 4 Hate.”
This is a wonderful report. We need more like this!