“I participated in it last year, and I found it really beneficial. I just wanted to make a difference in our school.”
Everyone folded unraveled their paper differently
During small group discussions, student and faculty facilitators were provided with scenarios of being a victim, perpetrator, target, or bystander. Facilitators were trained how to “Build an Ally.” It was a definite improvement to provide pre-planned scenarios for use in discussions. The change was made when facilitators from last year said something else was needed to keep the momentum going when interest dropped. Student facilitators also agreed these training sessions provided some juice to get the sessions flowing.
The facilitators had to undergo two nightly training sessions. “I joined the Names Day committee because I have heard many good things about Names Day as a whole, and all of the lasting affects it had on people,” sophomore Sophie Watters said.
“I participated in it last year, and I found it really beneficial. I just wanted to make a difference in our school,” junior Becca D’Andrea said.
After Names Day the atmosphere around the school, was one in which the students who took part were more conscious of what they were saying. Some students took this opportunity to change their attitudes while they were talking among their peers. “After the program people would say “Names” if they heard someone something wrong,” Mrs. Ladd said.Read about last year's Names program
A Change in Names
By Marcus D'Iorio - 03/09
NEIRAD enilno edition | printer friendly
Names Day is moving forward with its goal to create a respectful high school community that fights prejudice, harassment, and bullying. This event was held for the freshmen and sophomore classes on February 25.
After last year’s successful program English teacher Mrs. Mary Mammana was able to get the program back for another year. Mrs. Mammana is joined this year by history teacher Mrs. Jennifer Ladd, who is taking over for Mrs. Melanie Agnew who left to teach in Washington D.C. Due to the increased size of the Names program this year, Mrs. Gretchen Webster of the English Department has signed on as well. They are all determined to change the way students think about names.
One big change was allowing more time for speakers and revamping the afternoon group sessions to encourage students to feel more comfortable sharing their experiences.
Katherine Feehan was one of the many students touched by the assembly. “Everybody does go through this,” she said.
The open microphone, again, had impressive long lines. The session allowed students to share stories when they were in the situation of being a victim, perpetrator, target, or bystander. Many people found the open microphone to be a safe haven. "I was so moved by last year's Names Day Assembly that I went up to the open microphone. After pouring my heart out to our classmates about how a good friend of mine betrayed me, the girl whom I had talked about came over to me and apologized,” senior Caitlin Fiorito said. “I was shocked! Because of this we decided to give our friendship another chance.”
Names Day provided a coordinator who was sent from the Ant-Defamation League headquarters to assist with planning. Ann-Marie Brungard, who had the role as moderator said her involvement came when she was in a situation much like many DHS students. “I joined the Anti-Defamation League in order to help make a difference, because I had a hard time in high school.” Brungard said.
Respect, risk
Openness, ouch, oops
Participation, perspective
Escuchar, empathy
Safety, strengh
Juniors Jack Bushell and Carrie Olsen deliver the opening address
