Rye Middle School hosted a very special day May 3, celebrating dignity for all. In the morning, students watched CNN’s “The Bully Effect.” Anderson Cooper taped a special message for Rye students.

 

By Robin Jovanovich

 

Rye Middle School hosted a very special day May 3, celebrating dignity for all. In the morning, students watched CNN’s “The Bully Effect.” Anderson Cooper taped a special message for Rye students. “In a room full of 700 people, you could have heard a pin drop during the documentary and Anderson Cooper’s message,” said Craig Dreves, who teaches History and English at Rye Middle School, and was one of the lead organizers of Dignity Day.

 

 

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At stations set up around the gym, students learned about autism, other religions, adoption, what it’s like to be blind, small of stature, a burn victim. Groups of ten to 12 students were accompanied by tour guides to 11 stations, all of which had representatives ready to answer difficult questions.

 

All academic classes that day were connected to the subject of dignity. Students read and had time to reflect on the newly-unveiled Civility Statement, created by community leaders. The importance of inclusion, acceptance, compassion, mutual respect, a culture of civility, and integrity were woven into the fabric of the day.

 

Every faculty and staff member was given a T-shirt with the words, “We Stand for the Silent.” 

 

Before the last bell, saxophonist/songwriter/educator Susan Goodman gave a musical presentation with anti-bullying and respect for all as its themes. She was a big hit and had students singing, dancing, and cheering.

 

Expos have been an annual event at Rye Middle School for nearly a decade, thanks to Principal Dr. Ann Edwards.