By GAIL LOWE
WAKEFIELD — Any form of anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in Wakefield schools, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen K. Zrike said at Wednesday’s school board meeting.
His pronouncement came on the heels of recent anti-Semitic incidents involving negative and hurtful comments made by grade 8 students and the display of swastikas in the vicinity of the Galvin Middle School.
Today, Deana’s Educational Theater will present Character Building/Bullying Prevention The Lesson, to grade 8 students and The Bus Stop to grade 5 students today. Both events will be held in the Mike Angelo Cafe.
And on Tuesday, Jan. 27, John Halligan will visit with students in grades 6 and 7 to share the powerful story about his son Ryan who was a victim of bullying and took his own life in 2003.
Halligan returns to the school every other year so that all students can hear his presentation during their stay at the Galvin.
“As usual, families of students in all grade levels are welcome to attend each time Mr. Halligan presents to the community,” said Zrike. “We are discussing these recent events with the theater company and John Halligan in preparation for their presentations,” said Zrike.
Zrike declined to say how many students were involved in the recent anti-Semitism but said that though the incidents are “discouraging,” they proved to be a “teachable moment” in getting across to all students that messages of hate and discrimination will never be tolerated in the community.
“The students involved were disciplined according to the bullying and harassment policies found in the Galvin handbook,” Zrike wrote in a letter to parents dated Nov. 12.
Bullying and cyberbullying, according to the handbook, refers to “repeated use by one or more individuals of an unwelcome written, electronic, verbal or physical act or gesture where a student feels coerced, intimidated, harassed or threatened.”
If a school principal determines further disciplinary action must be taken after trying to resolve the matter during a meeting with those involved, students may be referred to counseling or suspended from school and, in some cases, be expelled. If suspension occurs, a re-entry plan would be discussed with everyone involved before offenders return to school.
“While the (recent) conduct was reprehensible, we do believe that the issue was rooted more in immaturity, naivety and ignorance than hatred,” said Zrike.
He later commented: “This is not just a school issue. It’s a community issue.”
A week ago, the administrative team met with grade 8 students to discuss the anti-Semitic incidents and, beyond classroom discussions, the school is taking steps to reinforce that the community is one of respect and to ensure that all students have the right to learn and grow at the Galvin free of prejudice and fear.
As part of the daily advisory period for all grade levels, the school will continue to promote the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program named for Dan Olweus, professor of psychology at the University of Bergen, Norway who, for approximately 40 years, has been involved in research and intervention work on bullying among school children and youth.
Zrike also wrote in his letter that the administration team is consulting with local religious leaders and the New England chapter of the Anti-Defamation League to access resources that will then be shared with students during upcoming discussions.
In the months to come, high school student diversity leaders will lead sessions on expanding awareness and rejection of all prejudicial behaviors, including anti-Semitism, and actively promoting respect for human differences.
“We take pride in maintaining a culture of acceptance and respect at the Galvin Middle School,” said Zrike. “Our students play a leadership role in promoting a positive and safe school environment.
“Messages of hate and bigotry will never be tolerated at the Galvin and we encourage feedback we deem appropriate.”
For further comments or concerns, contact Dr. Zrike at 781-246-6410.
