Garden City Schools promote kindness and inclusion in honor of Unity Day
On Oct. 21, the Garden City School District celebrated Unity Day by bringing students and staff together to promote kindness, acceptance, inclusion and bullying prevention. Members of the school community wore orange to show their support for creating safe, welcoming environments where every student feels valued.
At Garden City Middle School, students participated in activities focused on teamwork, kindness and standing up to bullying. The day began with students and staff greeting fellow classmates and teachers with cheers as they entered the building and handing out Unity Day bracelets, pencils and stickers. Events included the No Place for Hate Pledge, team-building challenges, the “Speak Up Spotlight” anti-bullying contest and the “30 Days of Kindness” initiative. Students also heard from guest speakers, including American Paralympian and wrestler Rohan Murphy, who presented “Mission Possible,” and Dina Zuckerberg of the myFace Wonder Project.
At Stratford Avenue School, students took part in the schoolwide “It Starts With One” project, led by school social worker Kristyn DeMartinis. Students reflected on ways they could make a positive difference in their school community by writing or drawing small acts of kindness on colored dots. They also participated in classroom activities exploring bullying, unity and inclusion.
Stewart School celebrated Unity Day with an informative assembly led by fourth-grade student ambassadors and school social worker Michele Vincent. Students learned about bullying and the importance of being an upstander, drawing inspiration from “One” by Kathryn Otoshi. The school community also participated in a schoolwide activity highlighting the power of kindness and how even one person can make a difference in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
At Homestead School, students participated in a special read-aloud highlighting kindness, friendship and the importance of celebrating differences. The activity reinforced the message that everyone deserves to feel accepted, valued and included.
At Locust School, students celebrated Mix It Up Day by joining peers from different classes to make friendship bracelets, discover shared interests, build with blocks and create a mural. The activities encouraged students to meet new friends, work together and strengthen connections within their grade level.
At Hemlock School, students joined other classes for a special read-aloud and activity led by school social worker Tracy Martinez. Students explored the importance of treating others with kindness, appreciating differences and ensuring everyone feels included.
Through these schoolwide activities, Garden City students put the spirit of Unity Day into action and learned how small acts of kindness and inclusion can make a meaningful difference in building a supportive school community.