All too often in our society problems are identified, but nothing is done to try to solve them. At the Island Trees Middle School, teachers and students have been working to solve a persistent problem. The problem is careless language which, in most cases, leads to bullying and the exchange of insults. Words can hurt; however, being aware of that fact is only half the battle. The Get-A-Voice project, headed by Ms. Nicole Wittschiebe, was implemented in January in an attempt to minimize the negative language which seems to find its way into the hallways and classrooms of educational establishments.

Ms. Wittschiebe did a wonderful job getting the teachers and students of Island Trees Middle School involved in the Get-A-Voice project last year. Approximately 400 students and faculty members took the oath, promising to make an effort to be more aware of the language they were using. Aware of the fact that it would require more than just getting the faculty and students involved to really make a difference, Ms. Wittschiebe is hoping to get parents and community members involved in the Get-A-Voice project as well. So far a group of 33 parents, feeling that it is important to practice what they preach, has signed on. Ms. Wittschiebe and the rest of the participants of the Get-A-Voice project would like to thank the following parents and community members for taking the time to support this worthwhile cause. It is our hope that more parents and community members will take an interest and join us in our fight against negative language and hurtful words, so that our children can continue to learn in a positive environment.

A warm thank you to G. Otto Hennecke, Jeanne Garren, Barbara Gilday, Alberta Sternberg Castanza, Dean V. Castanza, John R. Eick, Pattie Peck, Donna Salvage, George M. Woolever Jr., Jill Giuttari, Sherry Wick, John Wick, Dawn Butzgy, Susan Rohrs, Karen Gerard, JoAnn Brand, Kim Welsh, Elizabeth Neville, Patricia Nelson, Maureen Cassese, Dennis Ezzo, Nancy Marsh, Barbara Donovan, Barry Albert, Ann Albert, Tina Oggeri, Doris Medina, Lisa McDonald, Allison Sutch, Nancy Esposito, Joe Esposito, Monica Jorge, Deborah Witteck, Adrienne Kinch, Ray Medina, Marney Garvey, and Mr. and Mrs. John and Amy McKenna.

Your involvement is greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can Get-A-Voice, please contact Ms. Wittschiebe or Mrs. Potorski at 520-2157.

Megan Burton