Baylis Fifth-Graders Learn Importance of Friendship

Fifth-grade girls at J. Irving Baylis Elementary School in the Syosset Central School 
District took part in one component of a schoolwide character education initiative on Dec. 12.

The girls learned about the importance of friendship through a workshop brought to the school by Child Abuse Prevention Services. Ellen Feldman, a social worker and educator with CAPS, discussed topics such as what makes a friend, qualities a friend should possess, how to address conflicts, how to strengthen friendships and coping with feelings. Students participated in several exercises, including one that required them to write down qualities they look for in a friend.

CAPS will return in a few months to hold a similar follow-up session with the 
same students. This program is one of many steps the school takes to address issues of bullying and encourage positive social skills, while supporting the principles of the statewide Dignity for All Students Act.

According to the New York State Education Department, DASA mandates that schools provide students with “a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying on school property, 
a school bus and/or at a school function.”