Wantagh Middle School students participated in the #WalkAgainstHate, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League and held during the nationally held Walk Week from Oct. 12-18. 

Typically, students would have attended a scheduled event, but took to the middle school track during physical education classes and to their neighborhood streets and trails to demonstrate the school’s culture of kindness and acceptance. Walkers were also asked to photograph themselves carrying a sign that said #WalkAgainstHate.   

For three consecutive years, the ADL has recognized the middle school as one of the nation’s 1,600 No Place for Hate schools. This prestigious designation was accomplished through the sponsorship of activities that promote acceptance, tolerance and kindness on campus and by sending a clear message throughout the school that all students have a place to belong. In order to be considered for this designation, faculty completed a needs assessment, hosted a No Place for Hate committee, signed a resolution of respect and implemented at least three schoolwide anti-bias or antibullying prevention activities during the school year. The #WalkAgainstHate walk is one of several sponsored activities for the 2020-2021 school year.

Upstanders Club adviser Kristin Piciullo said activities like the #WalkAgainstHate are important to the school culture. “The way faculty and students come together to learn about each other and to show acceptance and kindness is invaluable,” Ms. Piciullo said. “The dedication to making our school the best it can be is fantastic.”

Principal Anthony Ciuffo said he is proud that Wantagh Middle School has been consecutively named a No Place for Hate school. “Our students and staff have embraced every activity, and I am so grateful that we are able to collaboratively make our school and community a better place.”