Seventeen LCPS schools were recognized for their participation in the No Place for Hate program during the 2024/25 school year by the Anti-Defamation League. These 17 schools are among 194 schools in the Washington, D.C. region that were recognized for their participation in the No Place for Hate program last school year. The schools are:
Belmont Ridge Middle
Belmont Station Elementary
Brambleton Middle
Creighton’s Corner Elementary
Discovery Elementary
Dominion High
Harmony Middle
Harper Park Middle
Heritage High
Independence High
J. Michael Lunsford Middle
J. Lupton Simpson Middle
Lowes Island Elementary
Smart’s Mill Middle
Stone Hill Middle
Trailside Middle
Woodgrove High
Participating schools take the No Place for Hate pledge, which is a student and staff commitment to create a more inclusive and respectful school environment.
In addition to the pledge, No Place for Hate schools engage in school-wide projects to illustrate their commitment to building a supportive school community. Below are just two examples.
Lowes Island Elementary School brought its community spirit to life through a vibrant “Together We Soar” mural. Students and staff decorated a paper butterfly, placing their personal stamp on these decorations. These butterflies now form a colorful display that welcomes school visitors. Symbolizing kindness and inclusion, the mural serves as a reminder that when we celebrate what makes each of us unique, we soar.
Discovery Elementary School implemented the creation of a CARE – or Council for Active Respect and Empathy – Team. Comprised of 4th and 5th-grade students who applied for these positions, CARE team members strove to be role models every day. They also worked in lower grades to read picture books and utilized teaching resources from No Place for Hate to provide guidance on how to be a caring citizen at Discovery.
“Creating a school environment where every student feels seen, heard and valued is not just a goal, it's a responsibility. When students actively engage in shaping inclusive communities, they learn the power of empathy and respect. These values create not only a better school, but a better community. Many thanks to the students and staff who are helping make their school environments more welcoming and inclusive,” said Superintendent Aaron Spence.
No Place for Hate is a framework that encourages schools to speak up against bias by creating projects that promote respect and inclusion. Through the support of students, staff and families, No Place for Hate schools gather input from all stakeholders to make changes in their school communities, helping to ensure they are places that encourage learning without interference from bias.