West Essex recently announced their plans to take on the No Place for Hate (NPFH) initiative. NPFH is an Anti-Defamation league and program that schools can use to make their community more united. Through various activities throughout the year, exhibiting the key concepts of the program, West Essex will become a NPFH school.
On Monday, Nov. 6, every grade took turns going to an assembly to learn more about NPFH. Student representatives discussed what the program was and the importance of it. Assistant principal Dr. Kimberly Westervelt also spoke at the assembly and explained the steps West Essex would take in becoming a NPFH school.
During the week of Nov. 13, students in their English classes unpacked the No Place for Hate (NPFH) pledge. English teachers read through the pledge to help students understand what it means to be an ally. West Essex wants students to stand up to hate in order to make West Essex a more inclusive place for everyone.
Students signed and colored shoes, which will be hung on a banner. The banner with everyone’s shoes will be suspended in the cafeteria so everyone can see it.
Throughout the year, students will be participating in additional NPFH activities in various classes to make West Essex a NPFH school. This program has been in the works for a long time, and now it is being implemented. It will take the entire year for West Essex to become a NPFH school, but administration is excited about the possibilities this program brings.
