IRVINGTON HIGHLIGHTS PERILS OF BULLYING -IMPORTANCE OF ACCPTANCE AND DIVERSITY---
EVENT: SATURDAY, APRIL 5 at 7pm Irvington High School
New York Giants football player Steve Weatherford and New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi
will each deliver exclusive addresses at "Irvington Rocks” on Saturday, April 5 at 7pm. The event will be held at Irvington High School. Tickets are $10 for students in advance...$20 for adults. At the door tickets are $15 for students and $25 at the door.\
“Irvington Rocks” is a unique evening of entertainment and personal
narratives focused on the perils of bullying and the importance of acceptance and diversity.
Steve Weatherford will speak at the event, while Joe Girardi will appear in a video filmed at
spring training for the event.
Involvement by the the sports celebrities is particularly timely in light of recent news
headlines about major-league openly gay sports figures, NBA player Jason Collins and NFL
draft prospect Michael Sam, as well as recent bullying allegations in the NFL.
Along with the celebrities, “Irvington Rocks” showcases local singers, musicians, and dancers,
plus performances and touching presentations by students, teachers, residents and
administrators. All four Irvington schools will be represented. Each act uses its own
innovative form of expression linking to the theme of diversity and acceptance. The benefit
will help fund crucial programs such as diversity awareness programs for Irvington students
and the community, and teacher/staff training for conflict resolution.
New York State recognizes the critical nature of these programs. The state expanded its
"Dignity for All Students Act” in 2013 to include cyber-bullying and incidents occurring off
school property. New York State acknowledges that new technology has changed bullying and
harassment, and our training, education, and awareness efforts need to keep pace.
Through the proactive efforts of the IDF, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that began its
work in March, 2011, the district has led the way in compliance with this law. The IDF
emphasizes the importance of acceptance surrounding whatever makes us “different.” It's
goal is to empower kids and to nurture a more congenial environment in and out of schools.
IDF President Michael Zeldes says, “Now more than ever, we see the importance of educating
our children and advancing acceptance and diversity in our schools, our community and
beyond.
For more info contact 693 3828.
PAUL FEINER