Olympic View Elementary creates Doorways of Acceptance

Date: January 13, 2012

Olympic View Elementary in Chula Vista has found an innovative way to promote the No Place for Hate® message of inclusiveness and respect for diversity with an activity called Walking Through Doorways of Acceptance.

Every single grade level (K-6) participated in this activity.  Each teacher discussed what “acceptance” means.  Then they created a door poster to symbolize what “acceptance” means to their respective class. 

Classes were given a week to complete their door posters before a team of judges judged the doors.  The judging team determined two winners – one for primary and one for upper.  The winning teams received a trophy, which they will hold for the rest of the school year.  These trophies will be passed on the following year as a new tradition at Olympic View Elementary. 

Walking Through Doorways of Acceptance sparked interesting and deep conversations among the students. They learned more about accepting others and how they can actively make a difference in each other’s lives.  The students were also able to discuss and collaborate on an artistic project that symbolizes everyone’s thoughts and opinions.  Teachers facilitated classroom discussions with the help of picture books and educational videos. 

After this activity, students had a better sense of the types of bullying, how to accept others, and what they can do as individuals to acknowledge each other’s differences.

Olympic View Elementary has participated in ADL's No Place for Hate® initiative since it was launched in San Diego in 2009.