Schools throughout the Central High School District came together to celebrate Unity Day on Oct. 22, highlighting the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering kindness, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all students. 

At Calhoun High School, Alyssa Siber’s COORE and DSP classes, along with Brian Joyce’s Leadership students, organized a variety of activities that encouraged students to share how they contribute to their school community and demonstrate the importance of unity.  

“Students also took time to write heartfelt letters of appreciation to staff members who have made a positive impact on their lives,” noted Melissa Rohr, the special education chair. 

At Mepham High School, Assistant Principal Theresa Dell’Ollio, social studies chairperson Robyn Einbinder and Health teacher Taylor Hayes organized physical education-based activities centered around the theme of the book, “Scribble Stones,” focusing on uniting over shared experiences and reinforcing Mepham’s pledge to remain a No Place for Hate school.  

The day at Mepham also featured visits from teachers, central administrators, and district staff, who joined students for story time and team-building exercises. 

“The lesson concluded with a creative school-wide activity: each student decorated their own “scribble stone,” which was then hung on a large banner as a colorful symbol of unity and collective commitment to treating one another with respect,” added Dell’Ollio. “The scribble stone activity symbolizes each student’s impact on our school community — a reminder that their mark matters and that even a single positive contribution can make a meaningful difference.” 

At Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue Middle Schools, students participated in advisory sessions where they were introduced to the meaning behind Unity Day. They also read “Scribble Stones” and then created their own personalized stones, each representing messages of kindness and unity. 

Catherine Azzara, a speech teacher and technology mentor at Grand Avenue, led her usual Grand Cares Connect advisory period along with social studies teacher Dan Rummenie. 

After prompting students to address their understanding of Unity Day and its importance, Rummenie offered the connection that working together towards the common goal and creating a safe plan to learn and support peers go together with the tenets of Grand C.A.R.E.S., of being Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, Equitable, and Strong Grizzlies. 

“Our hope is that when you are outside of the school setting, that you carry those same ideas with you,” he added. 

At Kennedy High School, special education teachers Samantha Kidd and Brianna McKeough guided students in making kindness cards and engaging in meaningful discussions about what it means to create a welcoming and supportive school environment. In partnership with the Key Club, the guidance and special education hallway was transformed with a vibrant Unity Banner and colorful displays of student-made cards. 

Meanwhile, at Brookside, Unity Day coincided with the building’s annual Day of Bonding, a day designed to connect the district’s in-house educational programs and external social service agencies through social interaction and fun. Brookside, home to programs such as MAP, PREP Academy, and the newly launched CHOICE - which provide academic, recreational, and vocational opportunities for students through age 21 - also hosts a preschool and several adult agencies. The event featured games, crafts, snacks, a photo booth, a video game room, and more, creating a joyful space for connection and collaboration. 

“Across all schools, Unity Day served as a powerful reminder that together, the CHSD community continues to stand for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion - ensuring that every student feels welcomed, valued, and connected,” said Superintendent Michael Harrington.