Croton-Harmon’s Elementary Students Pledge to Show Good Character

From Croton-Harmon School District:

CROTON-ON-THE-HUDSON, NY - Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School students in Croton-on-Hudson were treated to a magic show with a special message on Sept. 27. The school welcomed James “Magic Jim” Vagias, a lifelong magician.

“Magic Jim is here to teach us all how to be people of good character so we can bully-proof our school,” said Assistant Principal Kerri Bianchi.

Vagias’ energy and positivity engaged students as they watched him perform tricks and share ideas for avoiding bullying.

“When you’re trying to be a person of good character, there is no room for bullies,” Vagias said, before introducing three major themes: respect, responsibility and caring. “Respect means treating everyone the way you want to be treated.”

He emphasized the importance of not only respecting others, including peers, teachers, administrators and parents, but also respecting oneself.

“You are special; every person is special,” he said. “Respect yourself.”

Responsibility, Vagias said, means making good choices, while caring requires one to do things that make other people feel better.

“One of my favorite ways to do that is by sharing,” he said.

The program concluded with Vagias reminding students about CET’s three steps to take when they encounter a bully or witness bullying: tell the bully no, go away from the bully and tell an adult.

Photo 1: Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School students enjoyed a magic show from James “Magic Jim” Vagias that encouraged them to be people of good character.

Photo 2: James “Magic Jim” Vagias visited Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School to entertain students with a magic show and encourages them to be respect, responsibility and caring people.

Photo 3: Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School students Ingrid (left) and Max aided James “Magic Jim” Vagias in performing magic tricks during his show that encouraged them to embrace the themes of respect, responsibility and caring.

Photos courtesy of the Croton-Harmon School District