Getting a hand on bullying

A blank wall outside the Veterans Memorial Junior High cafeteria has become a canvas for positive student expression aimed at reminding their peers of the importance of being kind, helpful and inclusive to others according to student assistance counselor Pam Grasso and social worker Kerri Naughton. The effort that invites students to make a handprint on the wall and includes sayings such as “treat others the way you want to be treated” is the work of the Hurricane H.O.P.E. (hang onto positive expectations) leadership team. Here, members of the team line up to get their hands into the project. And with a hand matching her shirt, Rachel Rosa prepares to leave her print. (Warwick Beacon photos)