Locust Valley Central School District elementary schools celebrated Unity Day today, bringing students and staff together to promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion.
Students and staff were encouraged to wear orange to demonstrate unity for acceptance and inclusion.
As part of the celebration, students at Bayville Primary School, Bayville Intermediate School, Ann MacArthur Primary School, and Locust Valley Intermediate School reflected on the question, “What helps you feel welcome and included at school?” Their answers highlighted the everyday actions that make a difference:
One student shared that she felt included because everyone played with her at recess.
A student new to the district said he felt included when his new friends helped him in class. His brother described finding friends who were kind and cared about him.
“They understand that I am new,” the older brother said.
Another student recalled feeling included during a recent field trip to Project Adventure, when her friends helped her balance on the ropes.
Students also recognized the adults who helped them feel supported at school.
“Everybody takes care of everybody. The nurse takes care, the lunch monitors take care, everybody takes care of us,” one student said.
Others reflected on how their own choices could help create a kinder school community.
“If you make kind choices to other people, it can make you a respected person and a better person,” another student said.
Unity Day is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month, observed each October.
Throughout the month, the district’s elementary schools are participating in activities that encourage students to practice kindness, appreciate differences and help prevent bullying.