B.R.A.V.E. Minds and Hearts That C.A.R.E. Shine Brightly at MJHS
In connection with October’s designation as National Anti-Bullying Month, Valley Stream’s Memorial Junior High School held a number of activities intended to promote kindness and respect in and outside of school. These efforts were all part of the B.R.A.V.E. program, which kicked off a yearlong campaign to combat bullying and emphasize positive behaviors.
The MJHS B.R.A.V.E. (Believe in the Rights and Values of Everyone) Committee, comprised of faculty members and administrators, coordinated several initiatives to support the school’s social-emotional goals for students by helping them develop a strong sense of character and realize their maximum learning potential.
“We tend to see an increase in academic achievement among students who are supported and thriving socially and emotionally,” said MJHS Principal Anthony Mignella. “We are committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for each and every one of our students. The B.R.A.V.E Committee, in addition to other programs and a caring and nurturing staff, is one outlet through which we plan activities to help create an atmosphere where the heart and mind are developed equally.”
On Oct. 5, the entire school was encouraged to wear blue in acknowledgment of World Anti-Bullying Day. As the day began, students and teachers read a pledge and signed pledge cards vowing to demonstrate the qualities that encompass caring, compassionate individuals who contribute goodness to the lives of others.
A survey was administered to all seventh-graders to assess how they feel at school and identify specific areas in need of address. Eighth- and ninth-graders participated in “quality circles” during their physical education classes, in which they discussed ways to improve the school environment and ensure that all students have a sense of comfort and acceptance. Additionally, every Monday in October, students and staff members are tuning in to view a special eTV News video focusing on character-building messages.
Also tied in with Anti-Bullying Month is MJHS’s C.A.R.E. (Caring, Acceptance, Respect and Empathy) Week. Beginning on Oct. 19, staff members will implement lessons and/or programs that focus on developing the essential character traits on which the initiative is based. In an effort to show students that they are cared about and are valuable members of the community, the staff will distribute C.A.R.E. packages containing several items and a poem describing the significance of each.
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