The Oak Museum of Tolerance
For the past four years, the school counselor, with the support of school administration and staff, has facilitated a unique event designed to educate students regarding the destructive influence of bullying. For two days in February, the school library is converted into a museum which highlights the negative impacts of bullying on young people. Called "The Oak Avenue Museum of Tolerancem," the project represents a collaborative effort of staff members who realized the value and need for delivering the message that all humans deserve respect. All 7th grade students tour the museum for approximately one hour with their English classes. Students enter and exit the museum via a "Chalk Walk," a cement walkway containing messages in chalk dealing with respect and tolerance that are the artwork of 8th grade English students. The museum contains 11 sections with exhibits comprised of news articles, a news video, staff biographies of their bullying experiences, and student produced works comprised of a slide show, writings, art, and drama. The last station is in the computer lab where students complete a survey, giving us immediate feedback on the impact of the museum.