What is Unity? The students at Circleville Middle School certainly know. As part of their No Place for Hate kickoff, these students celebrated Unity Day and what it means to be united.

Each of the sixth-grade students attending school chose a puzzle piece and wrote how they can bring unity and kindness to their fellow students. The answers were well thought out and specific – everyday kindnesses they can do for each other. Some said they will invite others to join them to play during recess. They will talk to someone who is standing alone. They will step in and be an upstander if someone is being bullied.

The students then brought their puzzle pieces to the display near the cafeteria and found where to fit their piece into the larger puzzle. Before they did, though, they read their response to Assistant Principal Seth Siegel, the school’s NPFH coordinator, and explained why they chose their answer. Principal Lisa Hankinson lent a hand as well, joining Siegel in discussing responses and helping place the individual puzzle pieces on the bigger Unity display.

All CVMS students had the opportunity to be part of the unity puzzle, even those working remotely as they dictated their answers to others who completed their puzzle pieces.

The Unity display will be moved to a central location at CVMS

The students had earlier read the Resolution of Respect:

 “We pledge from this day forward to do our best to combat prejudice and to stop those who violate someone’s civil rights. We will seek to understand those who are different. We believe that one person can make a difference and that no person should stand by when it comes to opposing hate. We will speak out against prejudice and discrimination. We will reach out to those who are victims of hate. We know that we must all promote harmony, equality, and respect. By signing the pledge, we commit ourselves to creating a community that is No Place for Hate.”

No Place for Hate is a self-directed program from the Anti-Defamation League where schools create their own curriculum working collaboratively with the ADL. The goal is to create a better school climate and decrease bullying and bias.