Linked by Kindness: Students Unite Against Bullying
Individually, they're simple strips of paper. Together, they're a powerful statement.
Now on display at the Hannah McClure Cardinal Community Center, the CCPS Unity Chain represents a commitment to kindness, inclusion, and standing up for others.
Elementary students across the district joined together to create a colorful reminder that everyone has a role to play in making schools safe and welcoming.
The idea grew from a project at Justice Elementary last year.
Justice counselor Robyn Jones and fellow elementary counselors saw an opportunity to expand the activity and bring students from across the district together around a shared message.
They collaborated on classroom lessons focused on bullying prevention and the importance of kindness to all.
Students learned how to recognize bullying, identify ways to prevent it, and use problem-solving strategies when faced with difficult situations.
"A key focus of our lessons was teaching students how to be an upstander, someone who takes a stand against bullying and supports others who may be experiencing it," said Justice counselor Robyn Jones.
The lessons culminated with creation of the districtwide Unity Chain.
"Each student decorated a link with pictures, written statements, and ideas representing ways to prevent bullying, support others, and respond appropriately to bullying behavior," Jones said.
The chain's message extends beyond the classroom.
"It is intended to present a united front," Jones said. "We want to empower students to know the difference their efforts make in creating a chain of safety for all students, one link at a time."
