Cortez Middle School students and staff marked National Anti-Bullying week from Oct. 17-21 with their own student-led program, dubbed “Dude, Be Nice!”
Each day featured a different theme and students voted to honor the nicest students and teachers in every grade level. Students put encouraging sticky notes with positive messages on their classmates’ lockers.
Students in the Positive Youth Alliance, the school’s equivalent of a student council, led the campaign, CMS counselor Robin Cote said.
“It’s good to celebrate something positive,” she said.
The school wrapped up “Dude, Be Nice” with an assembly Tuesday in which the nicest students and teachers were honored.
Monday was Pajama Day, in which students celebrated community; Tuesday was Hat Day, and students celebrated themselves; Wednesday was Crazy Hair Day, celebrating students’ differences; Thursday was Jersey Day, celebrating students’ teams; and Friday was Superhero Day, celebrating student’s real-life heroes.
CMS Assistant Principal Beth Benavidez told students during the assembly that each of them needs to have a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher.
“When people don’t have a dude being nice, we need to let somebody know,” she said.
The students also were provided a phone number for a “Safe to Tell” hotline, so they can report a problem if they see one. All messages to the hotline will be investigated by the school and police department, Benavidez said.
Counselor Carrie Schneider-Lemay told students that small gestures can make a big impact.
“You all make a difference one action at a time,” she said.
