Dear GFS Families,

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school environment, and in alignment with Westport Public Schools’ initiatives and GFS goals and values, we are excited to share that on Monday, November 3, we officially began this year’s work toward once again being recognized by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as a No Place for Hate (NPFH) school.

Many of you may remember that we participated in this initiative last year, and at the end of the year, GFS was honored with a certificate from the ADL recognizing us as a No Place for Hate (NPFH) school. NPFH is a program developed by the ADL that empowers schools to combat bias, bullying and hatred while promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Through this initiative GFS continues to take proactive steps to ensure that every member of our school community feels safe, respected and valued. Our activities are planned and led by a NPFH student committee consisting of volunteer participants from Grade 4 and Grade 5.

This year we will take part in a series of activities, reflective conversations and schoolwide initiatives designed to foster empathy, understanding and acceptance among our scholars. Much of this work complements the programs we already use at GFS, such as Second Step, Responsive Classroom and the RULER approach to social and emotional learning. In fact, many of our Classroom Charters, which are student generated, share similar language with the NPFH pledge, highlighting how closely this initiative aligns with the work that WPS has emphasized over the past several years.

We believe that by engaging our scholars in this meaningful work, we can continue to build a school culture where everyone feels empowered to be themselves and where kindness, respect and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.

On Monday, each class read and reflected on the NPFH pledge, discussed its meaning and reviewed key terms. This activity took place simultaneously across the building during our afternoon community time, with staff and faculty joining each homeroom in a shared commitment to this important work.

Below you will find the NPFH pledge and a list of key terms that were reviewed.