Every school in the Port Washington Union Free School District participated in Unity Day on Oct. 19, with numerous lessons and activities held in observance of National Bullying Prevention Month. 
Launched by the district’s Safety and Substance Abuse Task Force, Unity Day consisted of anti-bullying lessons and demonstrations both in and out of the classroom. This included student formations, schoolwide marches and special “Unity Chain” activities at elementary schools around the district.
Weber Middle School launched its schoolwide Olweus bully prevention program, highlighted by home period student-led discussions about different issues close to Weber students and students their age. This widely successful program will continue throughout the year to instill more empathy and understanding in students, prevent bullying behavior when possible and create a more open and cohesive school climate.
Schreiber High School hosted a district-wide Unity Walk to culminate the day’s activities. Students, faculty, school officials and other community members donned orange T-shirts and walked the school track, many displaying anti-bullying/unifying posters. Special recitals and musical performances were also held on the field.
“Unity Day has grown into a special tradition that brings our students and staff together in support of one another. They share their experiences, insights and pledge to stand up to bullying behavior,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Mooney. “Providing educational resources and a forum like this promotes a culture of caring and communication and equips our students to act in an appropriate manner if they or one of their classmates are ever are bullied.”
Many of the activities have been made possible thanks to aid from New York State Sen. Jack Martins and the vision of the co-chairs of the Safety and Substance Abuse Task Force Board of Education President Karen Sloan and Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Stephanie Joannon.