Bullying Awareness Week

"That's just what kids do," said one adult, or, "I was just joking," said a student.


In my time as a school principal I can recall hearing the above statements over and over as I responded to alleged incidents of school bullying.  According to the stopbullying.gov website, 49% of students (nationally) grades 4-12 have reported being bullied at school during a typical month, where 30.8% reported bullying others during the same time period.  Regardless of the statistics, bullying is something that seems to be ever present in today's schools.

Unacceptable.  There are no excuses for the tolerance of school bullying or the act of school bullying.

This week, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Peer Helpers group at South Bend High School are working to bring awareness to the important issue of school bullying.  Under the direction of South Bend High School teacher Ms. Patricia Verdun, and the cooperation of Principals Byington (K-6) and Nelson (7-12), along with support from School Counselor Amy Nelson, and a large contingency of students, South Bend will "Stomp Out Bullying" February 25 through March 3.

"I approached my FBLA officers and asked them if they wanted to devote a week to bully prevention awareness," says Ms. Verdun.  "Without hesitation or debate, the kids unanimously agreed to come together and make it happen."

 Ms. Verdun, who completed a Masters Thesis on School Bullying in 2005, then contacted Mrs. Byington at Chauncey Davis Elementary and school counselor Amy Nelson to coordinate student activities.  K-5 students will participate in "Blue Out Friday" and will sign pledges to make the South Bend School a "Bully Free Campus."  The FBLA students and Peer Helpers group will be facilitating similar activities in the junior/senior high school the following Tuesday.
There will be an all school assembly kicking off the week Wednesday, introducing students to the week's activities.  The week will conclude with a performance from TapRoot Theatre Troupe, promoting an anti-bullying theme.

I am pleased to see these valid efforts by both staff and students.  School needs to be a place where all students feel safe and valued.  When students step up and take a stand for something, people listen.  It is my hope that their fellow students, staff, and community members not only listen to and act on these students' message, but also hold them (and all) students accountable for not tolerating school bullying.

Being new to the South Bend School District, I am impressed by the many services available to students concerning student mental health, wellness, and guidance counseling.  South Bend offers some incredible programs/services including:

• Big Brother/Big Sister (Kayla Camenzind, AmeriCorps);
• School Resource Officer (Officer Ryan Miskell, South Bend Police Department);
• Peer Helpers Group;
• Teen Advocacy Coalition (Gracie Manlow, Tanya Schiller, Emily Popovich);
• Willapa Behavioral Health;
• Report It!;
• and, many others...

Of course, programs and services are only as good as the people who make them work.  Just as evident in the other local schools in Pacific County, South Bend has caring people willing to do anything for kids.  From the teachers and staff, principals, and counseling staff, to the numerous community volunteers and agencies, South Bend continues to be, "A Great Place for Kids."

Please support South Bend students as they educate our community on preventing school bullying.  If you have questions, you may contact your school office.