Students on the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus participated in a daylong program focusing on student identity, differences and belonging at Bolles.

Called “Bolles…Be Yourself & Belong,” the program’s goal was to open up conversations between students about themselves, each other and where everyone “fits in” in the middle school community. Students in every grade level and all faculty participated in the event, which was organized by campus leaders and facilitated in part by representatives from the University of North Florida’s OneJax diversity education team.

Students rotated through several primary stations through the day. They watched the movie “Inside Out” in Parker Auditorium and discussed how emotions contribute to identity, affect others and help students feel like they belong. Bartram Counselor Brynne Plant led a reflective activity after the movie called “community puzzle.” Students took the large cardboard puzzle pieces they were given and decorated them in a way that reflected their identity. At a later date, the pieces will be collected and installed on campus for all to enjoy.

During the OneJax diversity education program, students discussed differences and peer identities – and how that relates to relationships and behavior.

The third rotation included “belonging activities” – or, 90 minutes of grade level team building exercises, games and activities. These activities took place both outside and in the gym.

Following the morning activities, students and faculty enjoyed a picnic lunch outside.

For more photos from the day’s events, visit our online gallery.