The Monticello Central School District recognizes that the ability to empathize and act with kindness is as critical to childhood development as the ability to add two plus two or write the alphabet. The district has long been a leader in prioritizing the emotional needs of its students with the implementation of programs and strategies to build a welcoming environment where all students feel safe, respected and valued. Some of these programs include the Yale Emotional Intelligence program at the elementary level, and Rachel’s Challenge at the middle school. In order to continue to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity and kindness, the Monticello High School will soon launch its “No Place for Hate” initiative and seeks resident volunteers to help make this program a community success story.
No Place for Hate (NPFH) is a designation from The Anti-Defamation League that schools may earn after utilizing the NPFH’s research-based framework to enhance students’ understanding of diversity, bias and social justice through a series of active learning projects.
Because the NPFH initiative is a framework rather than a prescribed curriculum, each district has the opportunity to create a plan of action based upon their own unique needs and challenges. In Monticello, a committee comprised of MHS students, administrators, faculty and community members will collaborate to identify the needs of our community, discuss preventative measures, plan events and set goals for this initiative.
The district seeks volunteers to fill two spots on its NPFH committee. Interested parties should be enthusiastic, solutions-driven residents of the district who are available to attend meetings from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the high school on the following dates:
- Jan. 14
- Jan. 28
- Feb. 25
- March 18
- April 1
- April 29
- May 20
Evening meetings will also be announced at a later time.
Applicants may email a letter of interest to Supervisor of Special Programs Jackie Beamer at JBeamer@k12mcsd.net by Jan. 11. To contact Ms. Beamer by phone, please call 845-794-7700, ext. 10964
“Schools do not operate in a vacuum and children learn from societal example,” Superintendent of Schools Tammy Mangus said. “It takes an intentional community-wide effort to address bias and reiterate the important lessons about kindness and acceptance that we strive to impart on our kids, which is why we are extending this invitation to our residents to join us in making Monticello a kinder place.”