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Rye Middle School Hosts Dignity Expo

RYE, N.Y. -- Rye Middle School hosted a Dignity Expo on Friday in celebration of the ongoing "Dignity for All" campaign in the Rye schools.

Rye Middle School students gather in the gym for a day of activities celebrating dignity, respect and diversity.

Rye Middle School students gather in the gym for a day of activities celebrating dignity, respect and diversity.

Photo Credit: Karina Stabile
Rye Middle School students learn about various types of families at one of the booths set up for the Diversity Expo.

Rye Middle School students learn about various types of families at one of the booths set up for the Diversity Expo.

Photo Credit: Karina Stabile
Rye students write positive messages on donated pairs of genes for a "Be Comfortable in Your Genes" booth celebrating positive body image.

Rye students write positive messages on donated pairs of genes for a "Be Comfortable in Your Genes" booth celebrating positive body image.

Photo Credit: Karina Stabile
Rye Superintendent Frank Alvarez greets students at the Diversity Expo.

Rye Superintendent Frank Alvarez greets students at the Diversity Expo.

Photo Credit: Karina Stabile
The walls were adorned with posted created by Rye Middle School students with messages supporting the "Dignity for All" theme.

The walls were adorned with posted created by Rye Middle School students with messages supporting the "Dignity for All" theme.

Photo Credit: Karina Stabile

The saying for the day was "We Stand for the Silent," which was displayed on T-shirts and temporary tattoos throughout the school. The day's events centered on diversity, acceptance and anti-bullying, as well as other positive messages.

The day began with a screening of CNN's "The Bully Effect," followed by a special message from Anderson Cooper that was taped specifically for Rye Middle School students.

Students then toured the exposition in the gymnasium, where 11 organizations set up booths with information and activities based around dignity. Students learned about diversity in families, religion, medical conditions, physical appearance and more. Classes incorporated the subject of dignity into lessons, and the day ended with a performance by saxophonist, songwriter and educator Susan Goodman, who focused on anti-bullying and respect.

Students also learned about and signed Rye's new Civility Statement. It was developed with community input by the Rye Youth Council after a hazing incident at Rye High School last year. The purpose of the Civility Statement is to "promote a culture of civility and caring in all aspects of our community life" and to "recognize, without judgment, the inherent dignity and worth of each person, group, family and organization."

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