ANTI-BULLYING ACTIVITIES
Although the observance is a month
long, the various anti-bullying lessons
learned at each MISD school are meant
to carry on throughout the school year.
“Anti-bullying efforts are important
because they assist students with
developing the necessary social and
emotional skills to ensure appropriate
interactions
with their
peers,”
said Dr.
Kelvin Stroy,
director
of student
conversation about being a friend
and speaking up against bullying
allowed them to go back to their
parents and continue those talks,”
said Principal Tamara Liddell.
Liddell added that her school will be
launching Kindness Month in November
by participating in weekly community
service projects in hopes that a
character of caring is instilled into each
student.
“When you talk about digital citizen,
you’re covering a wide array of topics,
but the overall message is to be kind
online and create a positive impact,”
explained Sara Wills, educational
technology trainer. “We teach all
students about internet safety,
cyberbullying and fact checking.
Kids are using technology at such
an early age, so it’s never too young
to let them know how to use the
internet in the correct manner.”
Wills said
students who
learn digital
citizenship are
equipped with
the knowledge,
skills and
resources to
succeed in a
technological
world.
services.
“Students
learn how to
care for the
well-being of
others and, in
the process,
develop a
culture that
promotes
kindness and
compassion
toward all.”
According to
stopbullying.
gov, adults can
play a major
part in digital
citizenship by
Students across the district, like these children from Roberta Tipps Elementary
simply being
School, proudly wear blue on Oct. 7 for World Day of Bullying Prevention.
a role model.
Dr. Stroy
Through
noted that
their own
the district has protocols in place
good
behavior,
parents,
teacher and
to address bullying, but it’s also
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
other
caregivers
can
help
prevent
important to teach students how to
harmful
behavior
from
happening,
establish positive relations to help
Digital citizenship was also a main
including cyberbullying.
prevent bullying from happening.
area of focus during National Bullying
Prevention Month. Digital citizenship
MISD campuses hosted anti-bullying
refers to responsible technology usage.
meetings, made kindness pledges,
This includes social media, websites,
Students learn how to care for
wore unity colors, and hosted days
online forums, chat groups, mobile
the well-being of others and, in
in which students were encouraged
apps and other device features.
the process, develop a culture
to sit with someone different and
that promotes kindness and
make new friends. Schools like
Age-appropriate instruction and
compassion toward all.
Janet Brockett Elementary School
activities emphasized how students
even included anti-bullying tips on
should think critically about
DR. KELVIN STROY
the morning announcements with
DIRECTOR OF
what they see online, understand
“what would you do” scenarios.
STUDENT SERVICES
the benefits and risks of sharing
information, and balance screen
“We wanted our entire community
time with other activities.
to have a part in these anti-bullying
activities, so being able to start the
“
MANSFIELDTODAY 15