On October 22, Forest Park School District 91 joined schools across the country in celebrating Unity Day, promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion while standing together against bullying.
At Field Stevenson Intermediate School, students and staff connected the day to their theme, “One School, One Family.” Principal Susan Bogdan shared, “Our theme this year is One School, One Family, and this is at the center of all our communication with students — making sure everyone feels respected and like family. This is also reiterated with all PBIS and 3B work.” Students wrote ways to be kind and unite together on orange strips that now form the word LOVE on their bulletin board. Field Stevenson also welcomed Staley the Bear earlier in the week, the Chicago Bears mascot, for an energetic anti-bullying assembly focused on respect, teamwork, and standing up for others.
Forest Park Middle School, Principal Terriyaka Watson said, “At Forest Park Middle School, we ensure Unity Day’s message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion continues all year.” Students wore orange in solidarity, created word clouds and skits focused on respectful actions and positive behaviors, and discussed ways to recognize and prevent bullying throughout the school community.
Principal Tinisa Huff, Betsy Ross Principal, reflected on how the day supports the school’s core values. “Unity Day brings our school together in kindness and inclusion, showing our Stars that we take care of one another,” she said. “When we lift each other up, we are truly Ready to Learn, Ready to Shine — in our classrooms and in our character. Celebrating days like this helps every student feel seen, valued, and proud to belong at Betsy Ross.”
At Forest Park Preschool and Garfield School, Principal Jamie Stauder emphasized how Unity Day helps even the youngest learners understand empathy and belonging. “Unity Day contributes to building a positive school culture by helping our young students understand and practice kindness, inclusion, and empathy in age-appropriate, tangible ways,” she shared. “Being part of the Forest Park Preschool and Garfield School allows students and families to achieve, believe, and succeed in a safe and inclusive school community — here is where we belong!”
Across D91, Unity Day reminded everyone that kindness, respect, and inclusion are at the heart of our school communities — every day of the year.
