CRMS Puts Focus on Tolerance and Diversity Leading Up to MLK Day
The time is always right to teach tolerance, but Chestnut Ridge Middle School students are using the approaching Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday to bring a focused attention on the word and its meaning.
Visible reminders of the importance of practicing tolerance and celebrating diversity have been posted throughout the school, and classroom discussions with in-person and remote learners have centered around the topic.
On Thursday, January 14th, teacher Karen DeFranco read a story to the school community that focused on the topic, and students had the opportunity to discuss the book and share their thoughts on how the message resonates today.
“In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Chestnut Ridge Middle School is modeling tolerance and giving students the opportunity to demonstrate the quality and to spread good will to their classmates and our staff,” CRMS principal Theresa Pietrowski said. “At the end of the month, we will award certificates to those who have proven to be positive role models and difference makers at Chestnut Ridge.”
Some of the quotes serving as visual reminder to the students include:
“In diversity there is beauty and there is strength” – Maya Angelou
“Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.” – Ola Joseph
“We are of course a nation of differences. Those differences don’t make us weak. They’re the source of our strength.” – Jimmy Carter.
CRMS students Xavier Wilson and Alexis Siravo point out some of the quotes about tolerance and diversity that line the halls of the school as part of the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.