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