November 4, 2021
Middle School Holds Anti-Bullying Activities
A note from the WUMS Guidance Counselor, Mr. Jeff Poelstra
We are proud to share with you ways in which our school recognized October as Anti-Bullying Awareness month. The goal was to educate students on what bullying is, how to believe in the Power of One to stand up to bullying behaviors, and how to show empathy to those impacted by it. Videos were shown in Pride class to drive home the impact of bullying, strategies to create courage, unity and strength in standing for others, and the videos taught strategies on how to try to avoid bullying and cope with it. Students also learned strategies that work when they can't always walk away or avoid hurtful behavior and words. Students were encouraged to use humor to deflect, to be an ally to others, to practice empathy, to have courage to step in to defend others, and to find and talk to someone that they trust in. Students also received several emails that outlined how to support friends and how to find support themselves.
We are proud to share with you ways in which our school recognized October as Anti-Bullying Awareness month. The goal was to educate students on what bullying is, how to believe in the Power of One to stand up to bullying behaviors, and how to show empathy to those impacted by it. Videos were shown in Pride class to drive home the impact of bullying, strategies to create courage, unity and strength in standing for others, and the videos taught strategies on how to try to avoid bullying and cope with it. Students also learned strategies that work when they can't always walk away or avoid hurtful behavior and words. Students were encouraged to use humor to deflect, to be an ally to others, to practice empathy, to have courage to step in to defend others, and to find and talk to someone that they trust in. Students also received several emails that outlined how to support friends and how to find support themselves.
Many events were held to involve students school wide in this initiative. First, we held an 'Acts of Kindness Day' in which students were encouraged to practice kindness through good deeds and kind words. Then we held a digital poster contest in which students voluntarily created digital posters that were hung in the cafeteria with positive messages of standing together against bullying and supporting those who suffer in silence. Next, we celebrated National Unity Day on October 20, in which students were encouraged to wear blue to show their support for the cause. Fourth, we held a 'Pledge Day' in which students were encouraged to sign a pledge poster with their commitment to stand up and support others wherever and whenever they see bullying. Students were encouraged to use a school designed anti-bullying logo to share on their cell phone pics or parent approved social media accounts. Finally, we ended with 'Chalk It Up' in which our Wildcat Wonders, described below, volunteered their time before and after school to write positive, encouraging messages in chalk at all of the entrances to the school. It was a great month to create more awareness and support for students!
A special Thank You to our Art teacher, Mrs. Patterson for working with students to create an awesome poster that was hung in the cafeteria. Also, a special shout out to the students who helped make this month happen. Our Anti-Bullying/School Climate members, named the 'Wildcat Wonders' include: Catelyn R., Denise G., Arabella S., Ari R., Xavier G., Kristianna K., Kylee S., Athena R., Logan W, Aubrey C. and Allison F. We are very proud of them in that they have all committed to continue working together as a group with me in finding ways to make school a better, safer place for learning, growing, and supporting each other, as well as celebrating great things that are happening here. We realize that bullying can be very harmful to others, but also that there is indeed enough students willing to be an ally, and stand for the silent and speak for the broken!
