Menands students are hard at work building a school environment that is inclusive for all.
For the second consecutive school year, representatives of the Sweethearts & Heroes are guiding students, faculty and staff through training designed to build a culture among students that rejects bullying and accepts everyone.
During monthly training sessions, the organization is working with middle school students to teach them to collaborate and spread anti-bullying messages with younger students in the school.
During the October session, organization representatives met with select sixth, seventh and eighth graders, as well as instructors Megan Perfetti and Michelle Ervin to carry out this work. Students, faculty and staff took part in conversations and role-playing exercises to drive home the message.
“I think it’s pretty good training; It is helping the next generation be more reasonable,” said eighth grade student Jesai Wanzambi.
Six more sessions are planned this school year.
Eventually, the students will spread the message and training to their contemporaries in the elementary school.
But the message will go beyond the walls of Menands School.
“I can teach what I am learning here next year when I am in high school,” Wanzambi said.
Sweethearts and Heroes is a student empowerment and empathy organization that brings a strong anti-bullying message to schools while empowering students with tools such as empathy and knowing when and how to act.