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October 23, 2026

East Rockaway students stand together against bullying on Unity Day

A group gathers around a table decorated with stickers, markers, and colorful paper.

East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School students and staff came together on Oct. 21 to celebrate Unity Day, reaffirming their commitment to kindness, acceptance and inclusion as part of National Bullying Prevention Month.

In the weeks leading up to Unity Day, school social worker Amy Weissman-Canale spearheaded a series of initiatives encouraging students to become "upstanders," individuals who speak up against bullying and advocate for themselves and others. The school's morning broadcast, the Daily Rockcast, featured daily segments addressing topics such as bullying prevention, self-advocacy, conflict resolution and the importance of treating others with respect.

On Unity Day, students and staff were encouraged to wear orange, the national color of bullying prevention, as a visible show of solidarity.

During lunch periods, students gathered in the cafeteria to sign a pledge banner, promising to stand up against bullying and help foster a school culture rooted in respect, empathy and inclusion. Those who signed received stickers and bracelets as reminders of their commitment. The banner will be displayed in the school's main lobby, serving as a lasting reminder of the collective pledge.

Faculty and staff also joined the celebration, gathering for a group photograph to demonstrate their shared commitment to creating a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for every student.

Through these activities, the East Rockaway school community reinforced a powerful message: Everyone has a role to play in preventing bullying, and even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

A person stands behind a table decorated with an anti-bullying message and signatures. A group of people gathers in a school cafeteria, while one person writes on a banner.

A group is creating a colorful poster using markers and crafting materials at a table. A pledge card outlines commitments to kindness, acceptance, and inclusion on an orange background.

A person writes on an orange poster while others gather around a table in a school. A table covered with a colorful banner stating KINDNESS TAKES COURAGE and signatures.

A group gathers around a table, examining stickers and colorful wristbands in a classroom.

A group works together at a table covered with stickers and art supplies. A person draws on an orange poster while crafting with colored markers and materials.