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 Spring-Ford Intermediate School fifth- and sixth-graders declared their independence from bullying during a spirited pep rally that kicked off the school’s annual “Bully-Free Is the Way to Be” campaign.
Students gathered recently for the enthusiastic rally, which involved visits from mascot Rowdy Ram and cheerleaders from Spring-Ford High School, chants of the campaign slogan and the waving of many colorful posters to demonstrate students’ commitment to bullying prevention.
This will be the sixth year that Spring-Ford Intermediate School is participating in the Olweus Prevention Program. The program was developed by Norwegian professor Dan Olweus and has been implemented in U.S. schools and other countries. According to school officials, the program has been successful at helping reduce the number of suspensions and bullying incidents at Spring-Ford Intermediate School.
During their first week back to school, students participated in various programs in their homeroom related to raising awareness about bullying and how it can be prevented. Students read a “declaration of independence” from bullying and created class flags with bully-free mottos and slogans for a school-wide contest. Through written assignments, they defined their roles in preventing and coping with bullying.
“We are looking forward to another year of teaching Spring-Ford Intermediate School students about the negative impact bullying can have on others,” said assistant principal Dr. Dennis Booher. “By making them aware of the consequences of bullying and providing them with advice on how they can prevent it from happening, we are empowering students to make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of others.”
Anti-bullying education will continue throughout the year. Students will attend assemblies and be provided with tips and advice on what to do if they find that they themselves are bullies, if they see someone else being bullied or if they are the target of bullying. Students are taught that there is no single solution to the problem of bullying, and are provided with a “menu” of tips from which they can act.
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