LAPS NEWS RELEASE
On Wednesday, Oct. 16, Los Alamos Public Schools will join schools nationwide in celebrating Unity Day, a key event during National Bullying Prevention Month. Unity Day sends a clear, powerful message: by wearing orange, we stand together in kindness, acceptance, and inclusion, helping to create a safer, more supportive environment for every student.
Unity Day also reaffirms our school district’s strategic goal to ensure 100% of students develop the skills and values necessary to be productive, responsible citizens. By uniting against bullying, we are building a culture where students treat each other with respect and civility, both now and in the future.
Throughout the day, our schools will host activities designed to raise awareness and demonstrate that everyone plays a role in bullying prevention. We invite students, staff, and community members to wear orange and join us in spreading the message: together, we can build a world without bullying.
For example, at Aspen Elementary School, a team of 6th grade volunteers has come together under the guidance of counselor Kim Holladay to passionately promote the message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. In addition to continuing traditions like encouraging everyone to wear orange and distributing orange ribbons to all students and staff, the team has introduced new, exciting ideas. These include awarding a “Unity Day Trophy” to the class with the most orange and decorating the school with large Unity Day ribbons. Through their creativity and dedication, these students aim to make this year’s Unity Day a memorable celebration that fosters kindness, acceptance, and inclusion throughout the entire school.
Unity Day is part of PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month. For more information and resources, visit PACER.org/Bullying.
If you or someone you know experiences or witnesses bullying, we urge you to report it to the school principal, assistant principal, or counselor. Middle and high school students can also use the Say Something Anonymous Reporting app to confidentially report bullying as well as other mental health and safety concerns.
Let’s stand united on Unity Day and make a lasting difference in the lives of our students!
Los Alamos Public Schools coordinates a range of prevention activities, delivered by school staff and community partners, with funding from Los Alamos County. The program aims to strengthen protective factors, build life skills, and resilience, while reducing risk behaviors and harm to children and youth.
Contact LAPS Prevention Program Coordinator Kristine Coblentz at k.coblentz@laschools.net, (505) 663-2575 or Sylvia Diehl at s.diehl@laschools.net with questions or to request more information.