Schoharie Elementary School is No Place for Hate and they have an official banner to show for it. Principal Andrea Polikoski, 5th-grade teacher Bridget Krepcio and students Jayden Maitland and Sophia Styles were presented with the banner at a ceremony at the University at Albany Performing Arts Center in mid-May.
Schoharie Elementary was among about four dozen schools statewide to be awarded a banner.
“The No Place for Hate program helped our school lay the groundwork for ending hate, bias, intolerance and bullying, and we aren’t done yet,” said Principal Polikoski. “This program aligns with Schoharie Elementary’s goal of being a positive place of learning for all students.”
Earlier this year, Schoharie Elementary students and staff teamed up with Siena College lacrosse and basketball players for No Place for Hate activities. The Siena athletes read books and engaged students in discussions about positive attitudes and behaviors and led team-building activities in the gym.
A program of the Anti-Defamation League, No Place for Hate involves the whole school in combating bias and bullying as a means to stop the escalation of hate and to foster a school climate where all students can thrive.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, “In compliance with the New York State Dignity Act, No Place For Hate offers schools the opportunity to be recognized for their staff development and student training related to bullying, harassment and discrimination.”