Lansing schools recognize National Bullying Prevention Month and Unity Day in October
Lansing Elementary and Intermediate School counselors teamed up with Lansing PTA to "Strike Out Bullying" as part of National Bullying Prevention Month in October. The Kansas City Royals and their mascot, Sluggerrr, visited the schools on October 23rd to put on an assembly to educate the students about what bullying is and how to put an end to it. Students were asked to wear orange on October 23rd for Unity Day, which is an event created by PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights).
According to pacer.org, Unity Day was established in 2011 and is typically held on the third or fourth Wednesday of National Bullying Prevention Month in October. It is "an event created by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center to come together in one giant ORANGE message of hope and support. WEAR AND SHARE ORANGE to color our nation, and even the world, to visibly show that our society believes no child should ever experience bullying." Lansing PTA not only helped put on the assembly, but also provided the students with orange bracelets they could wear throughout the day. Celeste Hoins, Lansing PTA Anti-Bullying Coordinator, was thrilled with how the assembly turned out. "We are proud to get to partner with the schools to enhance what the counselors are teaching the students. The bracelets are a good reminder and visual to provide a safe school environment." Mrs. Hoins said the facilitators at the assembly did a nice job of educating the kids on what to do if they witness or are a victim of bullying. "They gave a clear definition of what bullying is and what students should do if they witness it. They then brought all the teachers up to the front to show the students who they could go to to report bullying of any kind."
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Ms. Jackie Euler's fifth grade class wears orange for "Unity Day." photo credit: Ms. Jackie Euler |
The counselors at both schools have been addressing bullying through a new curriculum called the Second Step program. K-1 Counselor, Mrs. Christine Bachtel is pleased with what the new program has to offer. "What I really like about Second Step is that each grade level is receiving the same information and language about recognizing, reporting and refusing bullying." The goal of this new program is to teach students the skills for getting along with others, which will make our school and learning environment a safe place for everyone.
"K-3 has been working for the last two weeks and the kids have learned to Recognize when bullying is happening and Report bullying to a caring adult," said K-3 Grade Counselor / Social Worker, Ms. Mary Yandura. "They have all pledged to assist our staff by making LES a bully free zone. "
Ms. Janet Farrar, Social Worker / Counselor at Lansing Intermediate School, said the kids are really embracing the new program. "Here at the Intermediate School, we are half way through the Second Step Bully Prevention unit. Our 4th and 5th graders have been very engaged and they enjoy these lessons!"
The district received funds to purchase the Second Step curriculum through a grant from the Lansing Educational Foundation this fall.
Thank you to Mrs. Kendra Rexroat and the Lansing PTA for providing the video and pictures below: