Dogwood Elementary proudly continued its tradition of observing Unity Day on Wednesday, October, 15. This annual event, celebrated in schools across the country every October, aims to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion as a strategy to combat bullying.
Both students and staff participate by wearing orange, a color chosen to visibly demonstrate their commitment to taking a stand against bullying and to communicate that bullying is never acceptable.
This morning, Principal Renee Carpenter addressed the entire Dogwood student body at a school-wide Unity Day assembly, discussing the Smithtown Promise principle of "You Belong." Clad in orange, students gathered to express their solidarity, with each grade level pledging how they would embody the "You Belong" principle by being supportive peers. During the assembly, students also presented their class and grade-level anti-bullying pledges, read poems about friendship, sang a song and engaged in role-playing activities to learn how to make positive choices that foster safety, kindness, and camaraderie.
Principal Carpenter concluded the assembly by urging students to lead by example, doing the right thing even when they believe no one is watching. Staff members will be on the lookout for students who embody the spirit of "SMILES" throughout the school community. "SMILES," an acronym devised by the Dogwood SIT (School Improvement Team) which includes teachers, support staff, parents, and the principal, celebrates students who are Self-motivated, Mindful, Inclusive, Leaders, Encouraging, and Smart.
In the past two months, teachers and staff have been actively working with students to encourage actions that contribute to a safe, bully-free environment at school, ensuring that everyone feels seen, safe, and valued. Students have been taught the importance of speaking up, seeking support, and being a friend to others.
