Opinion: Schools taking stand against bullying

Bullying is a topic that seems to plague every generation, and it will likely remain so. An added difficulty in today’s world is a new realm of potential negative communications possible through the Internet. For example, cell phones and social media have expanded opportunities for negative behaviors.

All of our schools have stepped up programs and activities to combat bullying, both in the classroom as well as school wide. The well-known “Character Counts” program has become even more fully integrated to thoroughly educate all about the importance of character and virtue.

Along with our school sites’ individual efforts, a more sweeping measure has recently been added to the mix. The District Superintendent’s office has organized in-depth anti-bullying workshops for the district. Contacting Dr. Janet Hicks, Professor of Counselor Education at Texas Tech University, arrangements were made to provide interactive presentations for students and staff at targeted sites and locations. Hicks’ research efforts have been in the areas of cyber bullying, substance abuse, self-injury, Internet addiction, stress management, in addition to school, child, and family counseling. As a Clovis High School alum herself, Hicks has particularly close ties to the community.

One of the sessions was at Marshall Auditorium with two of our middle schools simultaneously in attendance. Though packed, the auditorium was pin-drop silent as Hicks talked about bullying, personal accountability, and the critical nature of possible outcomes of bullying. With a history in public education, Hicks was able to speak directly to the hearts of students. As students listened with rapt attention, concrete strategies and resources were provided to better understand and address bullying.

Marshall Middle School is a good example of success in anti-bullying efforts over the last few years. Now in year six of concerted efforts to fight bullying, the number of referrals is down considerably, and many more students report incidents.

Each year at Marshall sees a new round of ongoing activities (posters, videos, kindness chain, etc.) with a culminating spring assembly with keynote speakers, such as “Bikers Against Bullying.” Marshall now has Student Ambassadors who’ve been extremely active in all anti-bullying efforts, some organized, some more spontaneous; for example, modeling acts of kindness in the cafeteria during the busy lunch hour by offering to help other students, carry out their trays, cleaning, sweeping floors, making quite an impact on other students.

Theodore Roosevelt noted, “Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.”

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the instructional technology coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools. She can be reached at [email protected]