BC High School students brought their leadership and compassion to the middle school earlier this week, hosting a series of impactful “Kindness Microassemblies” aimed at fostering inclusion, empathy, and awareness among younger students.
Trained as peer leaders through the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), the high school students delivered thoughtful presentations on the power of words, microaggressions, and the influence of stereotypes. Through dynamic and interactive sessions, they sparked essential conversations about the ways language and assumptions can impact others — often in ways we don’t realize.
“The middle school staff is grateful to the high school for their support of this initiative, and to our students who led and who participated for how seriously they honor the theme of these assemblies.,” said BCMS Principal Mike Klugman.
After the main presentations, which highlighted the power of words, middle school students broke into small discussion groups led by high school peer leaders. In these groups, students identified common stereotypes and examples of exclusionary behaviors they have witnessed or experienced. Together, they explored ways to be more mindful of their words, how to speak up as allies, and how to create a more welcoming and respectful school community. “Most people don’t want to harm people with what they say, you have the ability to change an outcome with words,” said one of the peer leaders during the thoughtful presentation.
“The microassemblies are a great way to build a foundation in our school community about what respect and kindness look like and how we treat one another not only in school as students but also in the world, ” said Coordinator of Inclusive Practices and School Climate Allan Gadsden. “Teachers and students feel the emotions shared and the stories the kids open up with about themselves. This helps the teachers learn more about their students, and that builds not only community but a better student-teacher relationship.“
The microassemblies were part of a larger initiative to build a culture of kindness, equity, and inclusivity across all school levels. Both students and staff praised the event for its meaningful discussions and tangible action steps that students could immediately apply in their daily lives.
“It has been so nice working collaboratively with the high school students to plan these presentations for our middle school students,” said BCMS Student Assistance Counselor Cyrilla Peluso. “The high school students have been true leaders, using their voices and experiences to share knowledge, strategies and understanding. They have also shown such grace and maturity while discussing important topics such as diversity, microaggressions, stereotypes, allyship, inclusion and the power of words. One of the main goals of this program was for middle school students to gain knowledge and the confidence to know what to say if they face an uncomfortable situation, even as a bystander. It is important for students of all ages to learn and practice how to be an ally for others, know how to respectfully respond and who they can go to for help. We strive to create an inclusive environment for all students to feel welcomed, appreciated and a sense of belonging.”
Thank you to the high school peer leaders who are committed to deepening these conversations and promoting lasting cultural change within our school community:
- Joy Dzigba
- Taylor Steil
- Hailey Eignor
- Krish Sharma
- Catherine DeSanti
- Denis Pauze
- Gianna Coloccia
- Xavier Aiezza
- Clare Megahey
- Timmy Blake
- Gianna Gigliello
- Sasha Tafen
- Kieran Barnes
- Lili-Marie Suich
- Mason Bergeron
- Taylor Corrigan
- Abigail Alvarado
- Tess McNamara
- Sabrina Aiezza
- Emerson Lewis-Yates
- Griffin Lewis-Yates
- Kinley Logsdon
- Claire Aliggayu
- Tess VanWormer
- Johanna Radcliffe
- Deja Thomas
- Lulua Umar