Safe School Ambassadors visit Round Hill Elementary School

Last week, members of the Safe School Ambassadors (SSA) program at Washingtonville High School traveled to Round Hill Elementary School to deliver an informative presentation to fifth graders preparing to transition to middle school this fall.

The SSA program, advised by teachers Jeremy Williams and Richard Lepere, is designed to empower young people to prevent mistreatment and violence among their peers. 

Ambassadors kicked things off with a light-hearted round of “Simon Says,” immediately breaking the ice and getting students engaged. From there, they shifted into important discussions about different forms of mistreatment. They defined and provided examples of behaviors such as exclusion, unwanted physical contact, intimidation, put-downs and acts against campus, such as vandalizing school property. 

The ambassadors also addressed cyberbullying, explaining how it can take the form of mean messages, spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing or private photos (real or fake) and social exclusion online.

Next, the ambassadors introduced an interactive activity called “Four Fingers.” Students were presented with real-life scenarios and four possible responses, then held up the number of fingers that matched what they believed was the best course of action.

In one scenario, Jillian posted a photo of herself and her new dog, only to have classmates leave rude comments. Students had to decide: 1. Do you join in? 2. Scroll past it? 3. Leave a kind comment? 4. Or show the messages to a trusted adult? 

Around the room, threes and fours filled the air, demonstrating the fifth graders’ thoughtful engagement and kind instincts. The discussion highlighted that there isn’t always only one “right” answer. In situations like this, there can be multiple positive ways to respond and support a peer.

The presentation concluded with a lively Q&A session. With middle school just around the corner, students eagerly asked about everything from locker combinations and class schedules to teacher expectations and early morning wake-up times.

Beyond answering practical questions, the ambassadors emphasized the importance of building positive habits early.

“It’s important to plant these ideas when students are young so they carry them with them as they grow,” shared Sara Elarfaoui, an ambassador in her junior year. “If you learn how to treat people with respect early on, it sticks. And if someone is making mistakes now, they have the chance to recognize it and change. It’s much easier to build good habits from the start than to try to unlearn harmful ones later.”

By connecting with younger students in a relatable way, the Safe School Ambassadors are helping ensure that the transition to middle school is not just about new lockers and new schedules, but about creating a culture of respect, responsibility and kindness that follows students wherever they go.

The ambassadors will continue sharing their message with the broader school community during upcoming visits to Taft and Little Britain Elementary Schools, as well as with their neighbors at Washingtonville Middle School.