SMMS Class Act Assembly Delivers Message of Kindness

By Jean Seegers, REPORTER

 For the past 18 years, Beth DeVries, Counselor/Social Worker at Stephen Mack Middle School (SMMS) has put together a thought-provoking assembly program that deals with the heartache and emotional damage caused by bullying and violence. The Class Act 2016 Assembly on Tuesday, Nov. 8, was no exception. This year’s theme was “Kindness, Kindness Baby.” The eighth grade Peer Support Kindness Krew presented a symbolic skit dealing with labeling and how the practice divides people. Students portrayed groups labeled as gamers, jocks, nerds and trouble makers. Through acts of kindness, they were able to get free of labels. Following the skit, DeVries presented a sobering message. She asked if anyone would like the $20 bill she held in her hand. After wadding the bill up and stomping on it, she asked if anyone still wanted it even if it was dirty and crumbled. The answer to both questions was, of course, “yes.” “The $20 bill might be dirty, but it is still worth $20. The same goes for all of us. No matter what we look like, we all have value.”

 DeVries reminded them of the lyrics to the Michael Jackson song, “Man in the Mirror.” “Like the song says, Take a look at yourself. You can change how you see yourself.” “Love and value yourself,” she urged. “You can change, make a difference and rise above circumstances. You can throw away labels.”

JEAN SEEGERS, PHOTO – The Herald. Stephen Mack Middle School, eighth grade Peer Support members presented a symbolic skit to students and teachers at the Class Act 2016 Assembly, Tuesday, Nov. 8. The program is designed to bring about awareness of labeling, bullying and violent behavior and how to change unrealistic perceptions. Front, from left – Grant Preston, Elijah Beck, Abby Clark, Braden Sayles, Colin Elsbree, back row – Hayden Lewis, Marlee Vlasmik, Lauren Johnston, Eva Eiss, Ava Cicmansky, Kat Goumas and Caroline Cayne.

Following the sobering message, it was time for singing, dancing and rapping. SMMS teachers, dressed in pink boas and over-sized sunglasses danced onto the floor, led by Assistant Principal and head rapper Matt Roer.

In the final portion of the program, DeVries and fellow teachers presented t-shirts to students who had performed acts of kindness – A classy finish to the 2016 Class Act Program.