Keeping the school climate strong and addressing issues that impact all students are priorities at Genoa Middle School where, next week, a campaign called “It Takes Courage” will be launched. The spirit week will promote acts of courage, standing up against stereotypes and bullying, and promoting kindness and acceptance. The event is being orchestrated by Stephanie Christie, who runs the “Thank Goodness I’m Female” and “Girl Action League” programs at the school. She is also the Development and Programs Specialist for Youth to Youth International.
Each day will feature a special activity as follows:
- Monday – “I Woke Up Like This.” Students will be encouraged to come to school dressed as themselves, without makeup, hair gel, or clothing labels to show what we wear or how we look is not what’s most important.
- Tuesday – “Talk it Up Tuesday.” The theme is getting to know new people and reducing exclusion in the lunch room. Students will receive a card directing them to sit at tables with people they may not know, and will play games and engage in discussion about the value of meeting others and making sure no one is excluded.
- Wednesday – “Wacky Wednesday.” Students will wear wacky clothing or something that represents who they are (within the dress code), taking a stand against acting a certain way just to fit in or be cool.
- Thursday – “Thousand Strong Thursday.” More than 1,000 students and faculty will work together to build a wall or words that properly describe Genoa pupils and celebrates diversity.
- Friday – “Orange You Glad its Fuzzy Friday.” Students will wear orange to show support against bullying and will voluntarily sign a pledge to resist bullying behaviors.