Diversity Day On February 23rd and 25th, Pocantico Hills students celebrated their differences and similarities by participating in Diversity Day. The idea for such a day originated from a Prejudice Awareness Summit that half of the eighth graders had attended early in October. Sponsored by Jewish Women’s International, the summit was composed of students from eleven other area middle schools. Boys and girls shared their experience with all forms of prejudice with one another, engaged in role playing, took part in simulation exercises, and listened to a vibrant keynote speaker. So impressed and enthusiastic were the Pocantico representatives that superintendent Peter Lisi decided that PHS should have its own Diversity Day. With funding from the PTA, and the interest and planning of a community committee, teachers Felicia Peterson, Ruth Weyland, and Kathleen Sancton spearheaded the effort. After being instructed by the student summit participants, the rest of the eighth graders were ready to serve as facilitators in each of the elementary classes. They met with individual teachers ahead of time to plan their strategy. They led discussion groups, read stories, coordinated activities such as "Orange Sweeties", and helped to create class quilts. Third and fourth graders enjoyed "Kids on the Block," first and second graders took part in simulated hands on activities, and PreK and K classes were entertained by Zak the puppet. All were designed to help students understand those with physical disabilities better. At the same time, preparations were underway for a middle school Diversity Day. The committee invited Dr. Leon Bass to be the keynote speaker. A retired principal from Philadelphia, Dr. Bass was one of the liberators of the Buchenwald death camp in 1945. He has spent a large part of his life speaking out on the evils of prejudice and racism as epitomized by the Holocaust. As he told his story, he urged students to pursue education and practice a compassionate regard or love for people who appear different from them. Following Dr. Bass’ address, grades five through eight met in groups to discuss his experiences. A follow-up question and answer session proved to be enjoyable as Dr. Bass circulated among the various groups. Students then gathered in the auditorium to see the Rye Council Players improvise situations involving prejudice. Afterwards, the audience interacted with the players who remained in character to explain or defend their actions. Eighth grade facilitators were once again called on to assist in running breakout groups involving a card exercise, conflict resolution, and finally, a spontaneous group effort in the form of a skit. The day came to a close with all groups sharing skits onstage. Seventh graders in Miss Weyland’s art class contributed greatly to the day’s success by designing and silkscreening t-shirts for the eight graders as well as creating buttons and stuffing folders for every student. Each folder contained the day’s agenda, notetaking materials, and a commitment form. Students used their notes that night to share impressions and feelings with their parents. Parents, in return, shared stories and experiences from their past. This became a springboard for class discussion and writing the next day. Students
and teachers alike responded very positively to Diversity Day. All who participated share
one hope, that the feelings of acceptance and tolerance celebrated on this day would carry
over into daily life. See our Diversity Day Buttons |