Nutley High School

300 FRANKLIN AVENUE NUTLEY HIGH SCHOOL NUTLEY, NEW JERSEY 07110 ______DENIS WILLIAMS, PRINCIPAL [email protected] Tel: 973∙661∙8832 Fax: 973∙661∙3664

October 2, 2014

Dear Nutley Community,

The first week of October is the “Week of Respect” at Nutley High School and all schools in the State of New Jersey, in accordance with the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act. This week is designed to ensure that all students in our school will be receiving age-appropriate instruction on respecting themselves and others. The theme of respect is instrumental in reducing incidences of bullying and helping students to feel comfortable in our school. Nutley High School will be observing the week in all departments with the following activities:

 All students and staff are asked to wear blue on Monday, October 6th for BLUE SHIRT DAY- WORLD DAY OF BULLYING PREVENTION in a unified effort to STOMP Out Bullying (http://stompoutbullying.org).

 The School Safety Team will meet regularly throughout the school year to coordinate efforts in creating and maintaining a positive school climate.

 Each day during the Week of Respect, there will be announcements with motivational quotes that promote good character, diversity, respect and kindness.

 Mrs. Cassilli challenged Mr. Kelly’s TV Production class to design and create a dynamic Public Service Announcement (PSA) to promote peace and diversity. This collaborative effort has resulted in an unparalleled monument that is inclusive of all students in the community. Filming will continue throughout the month of October and the final PSA will be presented to the students and staff. In addition, it is our hope that this PSA will serve as true representation of the unification and inclusivity that our community embodies.

 The Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) will be facilitating various programs throughout the year to provide a safe environment for students to support each other and fight discrimination, bullying, harassment, and violence.  On September 30th, freshmen students received the renowned assembly “You Don’t Know Me Until You Know Me” by Dr. Michael Fowlin. This presentation addressed stereotyping, diversity and anti-bullying.

 Mrs. Cassilli provided student training on Harrassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) to all students in assemblies during the first week of school. The HIB Policy was discussed in detail, as well as procedures to access support and assistance through the Anti-Bullying Specialist.

 NHS hosted a Club Fair that provided students with an opportunity to showcase various clubs and promote service in school and in the community. At the Club Fair, the Interact Club held their annual New Student Reception, in which students who are new to Nutley had the opportunity to socialize and make connections with other students. Refreshments from the Creative Arts Department were served and students were welcomed into the NHS community by peers and staff.

 Spirit Week will occur the second week in October. This week provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their commitment to the school and community, as well as creating an environment of inclusivity and connectedness to others.

 The History Department addresses prejudice, discrimination, and tolerance on an ongoing basis by the very nature of the historical events relative to those topics.

 English teachers will be discussing the theme of respect in relation to the role it plays in every person’s life as well as in the lives of the characters being studied in their literature classes. Students in many English classes are being required to record a weekly “respect journal” in which students complete writing assignments documenting the daily ways in which they demonstrate respect.

 A “Cookies for Kindness” Bake Sale will raise awareness among students and staff that kindness starts with just one person and that person is you. It’s a visceral reminder that something small can make a difference and change another person’s day. All funds raised will go toward future anti-bullying programs at NHS.

 The Physical Education/Health Department will be utilizing cooperative lessons in which students will be encouraged to broaden their social circle and interact with others they may not normally have the opportunity to know.  The Math Department will focus on respecting those around us in the classroom, at extracurricular activities, and in the community.

 Computer Applications classes will focus on cyber bullying and its negative consequences.

 Cyber Safety Club will create and display posters promoting peace and kindness through positive messages.

 CHAMP Mentors will continue to provide peer mentorship to younger students who are in need of emotional support and/or social skills. This “Big Brother/Big Sister” program is supervised and facilitated by the Student Assistance Coordinators.

 Each month throughout the year, a Principal’s Newsletter and bulletin board will highlight student and staff achievements; these activities showcase the positive attributes and contributions of these individuals and demonstrates positive role modeling, as well as creating a strong sense of community in our building.

While during the “Week of Respect” Nutley High School will be placing a major focus on respect, this is a theme that is woven into our curricula throughout the course of the year. It is our sincere hope that between these activities and discussions you will have with your children, we will be able to build and maintain an atmosphere of respect in our school and community. If you have any questions regarding our planned activities, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Denis Williams Lisa Cassilli Principal Student Assistance Coordinator/Anti-Bullying Specialist