Students Taking a Stand Against Bullying

The summer-like spring weather Tuesday beckoned kids to come out and play.

That is just what many students at Albert Leonard Middle School did during their recess, except this involved playing with a purpose: bringing awareness to and taking a stand against bullying, an ever-present problem in schools nationwide.

The school, which serves students in grades six through eight, is participating in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program all this week, in conjunction with the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative, which is part of the City School District of New Rochelle.

Students who elected to participate gathered in the hallway to pledge to the anti-bullying cause by signing a banner that read, “Bullying, Take a Stand Lend a Hand” before enthusiastically heading outside to jump rope.

Students from each grade took turns going outside during their respective recess periods. The jump-roping activity served as the kickoff event to the program. The students recited anti-bullying rhymes as they showed off their skills at jumping rope.

“The Olweus program originated in Norway, and is based on the work of Dan Olweus, a professor of psychology and his research into bullying,” said Ellen Garcia, project manager of Safe Schools/Healthy Students. “It is very well-respected when it comes to bullying prevention.” All of the middle and elementary schools in New Rochelle are participating in the program.

Added Cindie Walline, coordinator of the Olweus Program for the district, “Students are given surveys at the beginning of this program to measure how much they have been bullied or exposed to bullying at their particular school. We give surveys at the end of the program as well, and those have shown that bullying incidents decrease noticeably.”

Albert Leonard’s staff began to put the wheels in motion for the program last December. The school originally participated in a program known as Rachel’s Challenge, named after Rachel Scott, the first student who was killed in the Columbine High School massacre in 1999.

“That program is based on the writings in her journal, which basically are aimed at creating a more positive atmosphere in school,” said Albert Leonard Assistant Principal Dr. Velma L. Whiteside. “Rachel's Challenge was very emotionally powerful and consequently, it was hard to maintain the momentum. So we began to look at other programs such as Olweus.”

Whiteside also said that although this program is structured to a certain format, “schools are allowed to adopt it to their particular culture, so that’s a positive thing for us.

“We have a committee at the school that has trained our teachers and other school personnel to be well-versed in Olweus, as we practice its guidelines year-round so we can be vigilant as to whether there are bullying situations that need addressing,” she said. “We really want to emphasize a culture in our building of being kind to one another and more attentive to the inclusion of others.”

“It’s exciting to have a school-wide initiative like this,” said Garcia.

Other events for the week include a talent showcase where students can spotlight their poetry or rap skills.

“Each performance has to include one of the following themes: Albert Leonard United Against Bullying; Be a Buddy Not a Bully; and Report It, Don’t Support It,” said remedial reading teacher Karen Johnson.

The students will also put their artistic talents to the test, as they will participate in a poster-making contest centered on the prevailing theme.

“Our hope is that this program helps promote positive behavior in school. Victims of bullying don’t have to suffer, and bystanders who witness it can feel comfortable to take a stand against it,” Garcia said.