Pottsgrove Middle School staff and student ambassadors presented the school’s No Place for Hate program to the Pottsgrove School District board Tuesday, describing student-led activities the school says are designed to promote inclusion and counter bullying.

No Place for Hate is an Anti-Defamation League program used by schools nationwide that provides guidelines and recognition for activities promoting diversity and respect. Herbert Beakley, the Pottsgrove Middle School dean of students, and student ambassadors outlined schoolwide assemblies this fall, a student pledge and a year-long project called the “We All Belong” tree.

Lede and program details
Beakley told the board that the program is student inspired and student led, and that staff provide structure and meeting space. He said the school first gained ADL recognition in the 2016–17 school year and that last year a staff member, Tom Fribert, led the effort to re-establish the program. Student ambassadors described an iceberg activity used to teach students about visible traits versus internal qualities and presented photos from grade-level rollouts in sixth through eighth grades.

Pledge and activities
The student pledge — introduced during grade-level assemblies — begins, “We are stronger together,” and affirms that the school “values each person,” will “stand against any acts of hate, bigotry, prejudice, racism, disrespect, and the inequitable treatment of people,” and will work to make the school a supportive community. Students described the “We All Belong” tree project: the trunk represents the school and student “hands” on the tree symbolize accountability and shared expectations.

Why it matters
School leaders told the board the initiative seeks recognition from the ADL but, more importantly, aims to build a school climate of belonging and bring those values into the broader community.

Attribution: the program overview and pledge text were presented by Herbert Beakley and Pottsgrove Middle student ambassadors at the Oct. 14 board meeting.