Bullying is a difficult topic to talk about, charged with complex emotions for everyone involved. But on March 11, Aveson’s third, fourth and fifth grade students bravely embraced the topic and eloquently communicated the effects bullying can have on fellow students as well as what students can do to stop it and prevent it.
Noah Carey-Smith, fourth grader from the 3-5 Independent Study Program (ISP) classroom, developed the two hour program with the help of other fourth and fifth graders, his advisor, Jenelle Furuto, and parents. The assembly was the take action component of Noah’s compassion project, a year-long project that allows students to examine a societal issue and complete plans to take action. The goal of the assembly was to empower students to take action if they witness bullying at school.
Symbolizing safety, white holiday lights surrounded the students as they gathered in the auditorium for the assembly. The assembly began with an introduction from Carey-Smith followed by testimonials from several students who had either been bullied, had bullied or were witnesses to bullying. Following the introduction session, students broke off into smaller groups for mini lessons ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. Dr. Peter Gero, psychologist and director of BLAST (Building Lasting Success Together), facilitated a 20-minute discussion about what bullying looks like, how it feels and how to take a stand against it. Dr. Gero assured students that being bullied doesn’t mean there is something wrong with them and he demonstrated through role playing how to stand up to people who are bullying.
4-5 Advisor Jennifer Carey hosted students in the library and offered an introduction to books on bullying and friendship. Casey Rasmussen, Aveson Student Support Coordinator, presented students with a short lesson on the cause and effects of bullying while reading from the book, Good-bye Bully Machine. Meanwhile, Ms. Furuto and Carey-Smith, presented videos on various types of bullying and facilitated a question and answer period with students and Aveson parent Robin Foley showed a slide presentation on “What is a Bully” in 3-4 Advisor Lisl Bondsmith’s classroom.
When students regrouped in the auditorium following mini-sessions, Aveson advisors held the string of white lights around the perimeter of the student audience. Carey-Smith concluded the day with these words, “These lights are a symbol that Aveson is a safe place where all kids can be who they are. The advisors will stand by each of us and we need to stand by each other. So remember, if you see someone getting bullied, you can do something that can change a person’s life for the good. Do your part to make our school a caring and compassionate place.”
