October is Bullying Prevention Month across the United States.
Parents sometimes approach schools with concerns of ‘bullying’, a very serious term that has a very specific definition by law and within district procedures. Most often than not, this term is used within the concerns because it is misunderstood by parents or kids.
For something to be considered “bullying” by Warwick Neck or any school, the situation must include the repeated, targeted actions of one person on another after being clearly told its not only bothersome, but to stop. Most of the time in school, kids experience what would be considered “unkind” actions from other students, and dependent upon the situation, these usually do not constitute bullying even though they are not tolerated at all by the school community. For something to be deemed “bullying”, an investigation would also need to take place that considers this and other important criteria, as opposed to what is considered a “bug” – behaviors that are unpleasant or unkind and usually warrant a discussion with kids and school officials.
To help spread awareness within the student population of our school, kids will experience a fun and highly interactive assembly with professionals on Friday, October 6th during the day. Positive messages of kindness, with informative tips on the definition, negative effects, and intolerance of bullying will also take place. A sincere thanks to the Warwick Neck PTA for helping to sponsor and fund this important initiative!
As a side note, Mr. Galligan is voluntarily serving on the new Anti-Bullying task force within the district to help educate and spread awareness about the importance of anti-bullying awareness and initiatives in our community.
View our complete calendar of events for the 2023-2024 year at Warwick Neck here.