The Global Leaders of Tomorrow from Valley Stream District 30 took a bold stance against bullying with a series of antibullying assemblies held across all three schools within the district for fourth through sixth graders. Led by dedicated students from the Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisory Council, these assemblies aimed to educate their peers about the importance of kindness, being an upstander and the dangers of bullying.

Students, guided by the council members, were immersed in interactive slideshows featuring impactful videos highlighting the characteristics of kindness and the role of an upstander in combating bullying. Through these presentations, students gained valuable insights into how to identify bullying behaviors and understand the underlying causes, often stemming from emotional trauma. Emphasizing the importance of seeking help, students were equipped with strategies to prevent bullying before it starts and learned the power of speaking up against it through kindness and fostering supportive friendships.

The assemblies were facilitated by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Roxanne Garcia-France, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Jennifer Lewner. Their leadership ensured engaging interactions with students, who actively participated by sharing their thoughts and experiences.

"It was truly a successful experience," remarked Dr. Garcia-France. "Our upper-grade students walked away with a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions and how they can contribute to achieving our goal of promoting peace and unity through discussions and civic action projects that address classroom, school or community issues and provide solutions."

The Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisory Council’s commitment to promoting kindness and unity aligns with the district's mission to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. Through their proactive efforts, they exemplify the values of empathy, compassion and resilience, inspiring their peers to stand up against bullying and cultivate a culture of respect and support.

Date Added: 4/16/2024

Forest Road Elementary sixth grader, Jacob Ramirez, has been named the first-place winner in the New York State Association for Bilingual Education Student Art Contest in the grades 6-8 category. Jacob's outstanding artistic talent and dedication have earned him this prestigious award, shining a spotlight on his commitment to advocating for bilingual education.

Jacob's winning artwork, created under the theme, "Empowering Multilingual Student Voices to Advocate for their Right to Bilingual Education," impressed judges with its creativity, originality and attention to detail. His submission stood out among entries from students across New York State, showcasing his passion for the conference's themes of collaboration, leadership, equity, diversity, empowerment and advocacy.

As the first-place winner, Jacob will be honored with a medal and a $150 prize at NYSABE's Awards Luncheon on April 6. He will also receive complimentary tickets to the luncheon for himself and two guests.

"We are immensely proud of Jacob's accomplishment," said Alison Bruno, Forest Road Elementary principal. "His dedication to his craft and his advocacy for bilingual education exemplify the values we strive to instill in our Global Leaders of Tomorrow. Congratulations, Jacob, on this well-deserved recognition!"

Date Added: 3/18/2024