School takes a stand against bullying

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Neighbors | Submitted.A group of St. Christine school staff and students gathered Oct. 16 for the kick-off of the Bully Prevention Program.

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Neighbors | Submitted.Some of the staff involved in the bully prevention seminar at St. Christine's School included, from left, Alyssa Rafoth, Monica Rafoth, Alise Rafoth, John Rafoth and Alexis Rafoth.

St. Christine school staff and students gathered for the kick-off of the Bully Prevention Program on Oct. 16.

Staff preparation included a two-day training using the Oleweus Bullying Prevention Program. This program provides comprehensive guidance for adults and children on how to stop bullying.

Each grade level to come up with a trait related to someone who will stand up to bullying. The traits included kindness, courage, patience, consideration, compassion, thoughtfulness, honesty, responsibility and respect.

Second-grade teacher, Cathy Klingensmith, presented the school’s anti-bully rules and the chain of reporting issues students may encounter involving bullying along with a message.

“Teachers and other staff have been trained to deal with bullying situations and the students involved,” Klingensmith said. “Students who bully others will be given consequences as soon as possible. Students who are bullied will be supported by staff. They will be told what action will be taken to end the bullying. Teachers and other staff will meet with the parents of students who bully and students who are bullied.”

A clear definition of bullying was also presented. Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself. All received individual bookmarks bearing the anti-bully pledge and motto. Mrs. DeMarco, the school principal, also talked about the impact of bullying, and offered continual support of the BP Program.

Cheerleaders performed and incorporated anti-bully messages along with a dance performed by the sixth-grade cheerleaders. Junior high students performed a skit expressing the important role a bystander has to take a stand and help when they observe incidents of bullying. A video of the students wearing shirts with the bully prevention motto was shown, as well.

The message was clear: students, staff and families need to work together to take a stand and put an end to bullying. An overview of our kick-off will be presented to parents at the next Home and School meeting.