The Yeshiva of Central Queens anti-bullying club, Mix It Up, held a “Be Kind Online Lunch,” sponsored and run by advisor Mrs. Melissa Maisel, grade seven Language Arts teacher. Before JHS students walked into the lunchroom, they were given a sticker, and each had different online apps; they then sat at the table that was labeled with their online app. A film made by the Mix-It-Up Club was then shown.
When students returned back to class, they wrote how they pledge to be kind online. Maayan Itzhaky, a seventh grader, said, “I learned more about cyberbullying and the effects.” The Mix-It-Up Club would not have been able to put this day together if not for Mrs. Maisel, who said, “I am so proud of all the members of the Mix-It-Up Club. They are dedicated to keeping YCQ the safe place it is.” Cyberbullying is a big problem, especially in middle school. YCQ has taken the challenge to end it!
Last week, the club was invited to a special Recognition Ceremony in Manhattan, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League. The Yeshiva of Central Queens is one of 153 schools named as a No Place for Hate School for the third year in a row. We are the only Jewish day school given this award. We also received an extra star on our banner for all the amazing work we did this year. Our “Be Kind Online” program, Mix-It-Up lunches, and teaching lessons to the elementary school classes about bullying are just a few of the activities we have done this year.
Thanks to Orli Betesh, Esti Ruben, Talya Gazal, Yael Itzhakov, Noa Itzaky, Shira Rosoff, David Azulay, Yonatan Dahan, Raymond Tawil, Daniel Gol, Avi Haimpour, and Eldad Besalel for joining club advisor Mrs. Maisel on this special day. Thanks to all the Mix-It-Up members for another great year!
By Leah Kalantarov
and Staff, Grade Seven