Second-graders celebrate completion of anti-bullying program

Staff report

CAMPBELL

A group of second-graders celebrated the completion of an anti-bullying program at Campbell Elementary School.

Students presented what they learned about in the “Steps to Respect” program to family, teachers and administrators Friday.

“It was a really nice program,” said schools Superintendent Matt Bowen. “We are proud of our students.”

Students presented a book they illustrated, and presented a video that described what they learned.

At the end of the program, students released balloons outside the school to conclude the presentation and program.

Since September, students gave up one day of recess a week to participate in program activities, said Sarah Luzik, a social worker for Catholic Charities Regional Agency, which coordinated the program. “That’s a huge sacrifice,” she said.

State Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd, was a guest speaker.

“The students really put their heart and soul into these projects,” Schiavoni said.

Bowen said the program is made possible by Campbell Works for Children, a collaborative among the schools, organizations and community businesses, that focuses on character-education and development.

The Campbell Works for Children started four years ago under a grant from the William Swanston Charitable Fund, he said.