The Anti-Defamation League has recognized Baldwin High School, Meadow Elementary School and Plaza Elementary School as No Place for Hate schools, honoring their efforts to foster inclusive and welcoming learning environments.
The designation marks the fourth time Baldwin High School has received the recognition, the second time for Plaza Elementary School and the first for Meadow Elementary School. All three schools also earned the program’s Gold Star designation for completing at least four anti-bias and bullying-prevention initiatives during the school year.
No Place for Hate is an ADL initiative designed to help schools create inclusive communities while addressing bullying, harassment and discrimination. Schools seeking the designation must complete a needs assessment, form a steering committee, sign a Resolution of Respect and conduct schoolwide activities focused on anti-bias education and bullying prevention.
“Our schools are honored to receive the Gold Designation for No Place for Hate, a recognition that speaks to the compassion, leadership and unity present in our classrooms every day,” Superintendent Anthony Mignella said in a statement. “This achievement reflects our shared commitment to creating learning environments where all students feel welcomed, supported, celebrated and inspired to thrive.”
At Baldwin High School, Assistant Director of Instructional Programs Gabriella Franza and members of the Youth Change Leaders Collaborative helped lead efforts that resulted in the school's renewed designation. Their final project of the year, Culture Fest, celebrated the diverse backgrounds represented throughout the school community.
Meadow Elementary School earned the designation through the work of its student council, Future Problem Solvers, Character Counts Club, Girl Scout Troop 2210 and PTA. Students and staff organized events including Diwali and Lunar New Year assemblies, a "Cocoa and Customs" program and a multicultural festival.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a No Place for Hate School,” Meadow Principal Yolanda Martin said. “This designation reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a school community where every student feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic self.”
Martin said the initiative teaches students to embrace diversity, challenge bias and treat others with kindness and compassion.
“This recognition affirms the collective efforts of our students, staff, PTA and families to build a culture of belonging where hate and intolerance have no place, and every individual is celebrated for the unique strengths they bring to our community,” she added.
At Plaza Elementary School, staff members Leigh Sofarelli, Nicole Shagi, Alexa Hasman and Annette Sollitto helped coordinate activities promoting inclusion and respect. The initiatives aligned with the school's SOARING framework — Safety, Ownership, Accountability and Respect — and its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program.
“Plaza Elementary School is proud to have continued their No Place for Hate campaign, this year receiving the distinguished Gold Star status,” Principal Mark Gray said. “More than anything, this is a recognition of the important work we do each day to build a learning community anchored in tolerance and inclusion.”
The ADL recognized each school's achievement with a customized No Place for Hate banner in June.
