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No Name Calling Week to Be Celebrated at PVMS
Putnam Valley Middle School students are gearing up for an annual observance that will take place from January 22 through January 25. "No Name Calling Week" is an ongoing effort by the Middle School leadership to promote positive relationships among students.
No Name Calling Week is a 5-year-old program Inspired by James Howe's popular novel, The Misfits. The book tells the story of four best friends trying to survive the seventh grade in the face of all too frequent taunts based on their weight, height, intelligence, and sexual orientation/gender expression. Motivated by the inequities they see around them, the "Gang of Five" (as they are known) creates a new political party during student council elections and run on a platform aimed at wiping out name-calling of all kinds. Though they lose the election, they win the support of the school's principal for their cause and their idea for a "No Name-Calling Day" at school.
Motivated by this simple, yet powerful, idea, the No Name- Calling Week Coalition created by GLSEN and Simon & Schuster, with more than 40 national partner organizations, organized an actual No Name- Calling Week in schools across the nation in March of 2004. The project seeks to focus national attention on the problem of name-calling in schools, and to provide students and educators with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate name-calling in their communities.
PVMS Assistant Principal Dr. David Fine emphasizes that Putnam Valley understands the importance of building empathy, of encouraging respect among all its students, and of recognizing the impact that words can have on others. He also credits the entire PVMS community for their involvement and support: "Our Guidance Counselor - Mrs. Castrillon, the Student Council, and the Student Government have worked hard to create a collaborative and positive week for the students and staff alike."
The program kicks off on Tuesday, when arriving students who bring in a Food pantry donation will win a raffle ticket, which may potentially win you a prize. Assemblies are also planned that day for all four PVMS grades and a Mix It Up- at which students are encouraged to talk and socialize with people outside of their usual circle of friends- is planned for lunch recess. Wednesday is Twins day; Thursday is Superhero day; and Friday is Peace Day, featuring dress from the 1960s.
In addition 5th graders will be doing an activity related to The Misfits all week. Other grades will have special activities, as well. Student government representatives have been encouraged to create posters with the focus of community and respect.
For more information, visit http:// www.nonamecallingweek.org
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