BERLIN — Local students celebrated the importance of tolerance with “Help Increase the Peace” day at Berlin Intermediate School.
The event, held Jan. 30, is an annual one but was considered particularly relevant this year, coming just days after the media spotlight was shined in an unfavorable light on Stephen Decatur High School. Berlin Intermediate School students, dressed in 1980s garb, spent the day participating in activities designed to increase the peace at their school.
“The purpose is getting kids to realize we all have different opinions and values,” said Michelle Bankert, guidance counselor at the school.
Bankert said “HIP” day, as it’s called by students, has been a staple at Berlin Intermediate for the past 15 years. Students had the chance to dress up — this year with suspenders, big hair and bright colors — while peer mediators talked to them about how to deal with conflicts and why they should show tolerance. Bankert said the event was always held in January in honor of Martin Luther King, who the students learned about in class.
“Everybody seems to enjoy it,” she said.
Bankert says celebrating peace and tolerance is something that children of any age can benefit from. At Berlin Intermediate, a school that houses fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students, the message comes just as they are beginning to experience teasing at the hands of their peers.
“Teasing happens but we have them talk about it,” Bankert said. “Conflicts happen but it’s always important that we make the right choice.”
Jerry Wilson, Worcester County’s superintendent of schools, said educators work to teach respect and build a sense of community in local schools.
“Each school has a successful character education program that spans the grade levels,” he said. “Events are planned over the school year to focus on behaviors and values that promote respect and community.”
At Berlin Intermediate, students participate in a positive attitude program that recognizes a student for their behavior each day. There’s also a “No Bully Zone.” For Friday’s event, students signed peace pledges, acknowledging that violence was wrong.
Wilson praised the school’s efforts.
“Berlin Intermediate School’s ‘Help Increase the Peace’ exemplifies a program aimed at celebrating tolerance and harmony,” he said. “Increasing the peace is a timeless message for all ages and it can only be achieved when everyone contributes.”