Dear Students,
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and a particularly meaningful day within this month is National Unity Day, which was today Wednesday, October 22, 2025. This day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to foster a school environment that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming for every single member of our Chatham family.
Today, we encouraged all students, staff, and families to Wear and Share Orange—the color of safety and visibility. It was great seeing our community sending a strong, universal message that we are together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. This simple, visible act is a demonstration of solidarity for those who have been bullied and a commitment to bullying prevention.
While Unity Day is an important focal point, our commitment to standing united against bullying is an everyday endeavor. At Chatham Central School District, we are dedicated to cultivating a positive school climate through ongoing efforts, including:
Comprehensive Bullying Prevention Policies: Our policies, aligned with the Dignity For All Students Act (DASA), strictly prohibit bullying, harassment, and intimidation in all forms—on school grounds, on buses, and online (cyberbullying).
Character Education and Empathy Building: We integrate programs that focus on teaching social-emotional skills, empathy, compassion, and the importance of being an "upstander" rather than a bystander.
Clear Reporting Channels: We ensure that students and families have clear, confidential ways to report incidents of bullying, including Incident Reporting Forms and reminding students to report incidents to a trusted adult. Every report is taken seriously and investigated promptly.
Expectations of Kindness: Our school district will not tolerate bullying, disrespect, or mistreatment. Interventions, education, and possible consequences will be given according to our code of conduct.
Our Call to Action for Every Member of the Chatham Community:
Talk About It: Have open conversations at home about the impact of bullying, both as a target and as a witness. Encourage your children to speak up for others and to seek help from a trusted adult if they or someone they know is being bullied.
Practice Kindness and Inclusion: The most effective anti-bullying strategy is to intentionally build a culture of kindness and respect. We ask everyone to actively look for opportunities to include others, celebrate differences, and show compassion.
The Chatham Central School District is a community built on respect, and together, we can ensure that every student feels valued, safe, and supported. Your partnership in reinforcing these values at home and in the community is invaluable to our success.
Thank you for your commitment to making Chatham Central School District a place where everyone belongs and thrives.
Sincerely,
Andrew Kourt
Chatham Superintendent