On Monday, Nov. 14, the entire Class of 2020 attended the “Cyberbullying & Digital Dilemmas” forum at The Palace Theatre in Albany. The forum was sponsored by Siena College Research Institute, AT&T and the Tyler Clementi Foundation. Students learned a lot about the seriousness of cyberbullying and how to become advocates for kindness and respect.
After the students returned to school, they pledged to uphold the standards of making CHS a ‘No Place for Hate’ school. They ran restorative justice circles in groups to discuss the forum, and finished the day watching the documentary Bully.
Cohoes High School implemented the 9th Grade Academy this year, to help students transition to high school. Several measures have been put in place to support students’ academic, social and emotional growth and success, including a 9th grade wing of the building, added enrichment and opportunities to become involved in extracurricular activities.
This year, the district is focused on incorporating the “Seven C’s” into learning. They are curiosity, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, communication, citizenship and compassion.
The day-long intensive on cyberbullying and becoming ambassadors of kindness and respect included most of the seven C’s. Students had to think critically about their decisions and their actions toward others not only in the past, but also going forward. Students collaborated and communicated, working in restorative justice sessions to develop and reinforce respect, solutions and positivity. The entire day emphasized the importance of digital citizenship and being compassionate to others.