We asked the kids in our school to tell us about their experiences with bullying. From name calling to fighting we knew that this is something that is going on all around us. We also asked some of the parents we know what they thought about all of this. We decided that it was time that we did something about bullying.
Stage 2: Building Awareness
We presented our information at the Make A Difference Day Conference in our district. We talked to other students and their parents about their experiences. The message that we are giving is that bullying is not something that will just go away by itself. There is never a good reason for someone to be bullied. We need to talk about it and take some actions to help make things get better for somebody else.
Stage 3: Getting Perspectives
We worked with different grades to get their feedback on what bullying is and how it affects them. The kids read stories, talked about it, and decided on projects that they can use to talk about bullying.
Stage 4: Our Voice
We had all of the kids from Kindergarten through Sixth Grade put on a Bully Awareness Presentation for all of our parents and family members. We had PowerPoints, movies, interviews, pamphlets, plays, songs, and characters that helped everyone know that bullying is not okay for anyone.
Stage 5: Joining Together
We are letting people know that we can be there for each other.
Friends can be there for friends. Parents and kids can be there for each other.
All that it takes is to decide to be that one person that will stand beside someone who needs us.
Stage 6: Leaving a Legacy
By treating people like they deserve to be treated we can help to show them that they matter. The sixth graders of next year will continue to bring attention to this subject. We will all have at least one person that we know will stand beside us.