Martin Avenue Students Wear Orange, Unite for Kindness

Dressed in orange, students ventured to the blacktop and Martin Avenue Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District on Oct. 21 and spelled out the word “Unity.” It was one of several activities throughout the week to support Unity Day, an initiative by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center to promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion.  

Principal Dr. Michael Yannucci said that this was the fourth year Martin Avenue has participated because of its important message. He noted that it connects to the Leader in Me initiative that the district adopted this year, as leaders are responsible and being responsible means embodying the values of Unity Day. 

Martin Avenue’s slogan is “Lions are Leaders: Lead With Your Heart,” and Unity Day reminds children to live by that. 

“It’s a message that is really important every day,” Dr. Yannucci said. “There’s never a bad time to talk about acceptance, inclusion and kindness.”  

All students signed a unity pledge and took part in a “We All Fit in the Box” activity, creating a unique crayon to add to a bulletin board. Just like every crayon has its own color, every child brings unique strengths, interests and qualities to Martin Avenue School, Dr. Yannucci explained.  

First grade teacher Nicole Huttner did a read aloud with students, “How We Deal With Bullies: Superhero Style,” to give students strategies to help stop bullying, such as standing up for others or getting a teacher. They then completed Unity Day coloring projects with messages such as “We are Better Together” and “Choose Kindness.”