St. Benedict School, Holmdel, students, faculty and staff came together to send a message of support, hope and unity Oct. 22.

With orange ribbons tied around the school, SBS Unity Day bracelets and special orange uniform additions worn by the students and staff, the subtle cues were a reminder of the day’s powerful message, “Be a buddy, not a bully.”

The students were also given a special anti-bullying lesson by their school’s social worker, Noreen Potterton and their teachers.

Sponsored by the SBS Academic Special Needs Association, during the day students in the younger grades colored in a print-out of a hand as a symbol to pledge to stop bullying, while older grades learned the dangers of cyber-bullying. Each teacher gave a lesson on bullying. Teachers also taught about the important role of the bystander.

“It was a whole school effort,” Potterton said. “The teachers really appreciated that day. it’s important to keep it on the forefront of children’s minds, to unify and be a buddy. I think sometimes the word ‘bully’ gets used so often that it loses its power. So approaching it in an effort to unify and respect each other, it gives it a fresher meaning.”

A few seventh-graders from SBS shared what it means to them to be a buddy and not a bully to their classmates.

“To be a buddy is to stick up for people who are being bullied and not bully them back and to stand up for people, and not ignore people,” said Natalie Cawley.

“Bullies are people who don’t have high self esteem so they bully other people to gain more,” said Bridget Corpus. “Trying to be a buddy, it makes you feel you’re doing the right thing, makes you feel better inside.”

“If someone is just standing in the hallway and being bullied you should stand up and stick up for them. It helps them feel they have a friend,” said Isabella Serrigno.

Every half day will be a unity day and remind students about helping and respecting each other, Potterton said.

To learn more about Unity Day, visit www.pacers.org.