November 1, 2010
SAS Parents,
Over the course of the past year, Saline Area Schools has been looking closely at ways to address bullying, school safety, diversity, and acceptance. A committee has been formed to explore ways to deal with all of these issues that are certainly at the forefront in our society and our school district. After researching possible avenues to address these issues, we have partnered up with the ADL (Anti Defamation League) in participating in “No Place for Hate.”
No Place for Hate
By participating in No Place for Hate, your school will join with a larger initiative taking place throughout Michigan and in other cities across the nation to reduce bullying, name calling and other expressions of bias, while creating safer learning environments that promote inclusion, appreciation of diversity and respect for others.
A “No Place for Hate” Coalition has been meeting for the last several months to develop meaningful activities to be implemented at the elementary K-5 levels. After seeking input from community members, teachers, and administrators, we have selected the following activities to promote the Coalition’s message:
“No Place for Hate” Pledge – Students will recite a weekly pledge centered on keeping the school safe, promoting fairness, and respecting diversity.
Celebrity Reading Videos – We are seeking local celebrities to read children’s books that focus on various themes of respect, diversity, anti-bullying, etc. We will then videotape these readers and play the videos weekly in the schools for a period of time. The message being sent by the videos will be reinforced throughout the week.
Wrinkled Heart – This is an activity that will be done around Valentines Day. Students will listen to a story and fold a construction paper heart every time the character’s feeling get hurt. Students will then participate in an activity to compliment others in their classes.
We will continue to promote “No Place of Hate” on a regular basis in our schools. We hope that you join us on our quest to provide schools that are all extremely safe and conducive to learning. Please help us reinforce the message that there is “No Place for Hate” in our schools.
Thank you for your continued support!
Steve Laatsch, Assistant Superintendent Wanda Killips, Principal – Woodland Meadows
Sheila Light, Principal – Pleasant Ridge Betty Rosen-Leacher, Principal – Harvest
Les Sharon, Principal - Heritage
