The focus was on bullying prevention the week of Oct. 3rd at New Richmond Middle School as students and teachers focused on and raised awareness of bullying.
The week-long observance coincides with National Bullying Prevention Month.
Ahead of National Bullying Prevention Week, NRMS Guidance Counselor Kelly Gabriel sent home a message to families explaining that National Bullying Prevention Week would combine fun with a few challenges towards self-growth and anti-bullying.
“My hope is that each student steps outside their comfort zone to accept the small challenges each day,” she said. “An extension at home could be to have a conversation about the challenge of the day. We all grow when we invest in others.”
The week kicked off Oct. 3rd with PJ Day and the theme of “Let’s put bullying to sleep.” Students were challenged to say “hi” to someone they don’t know.
Tuesday, Oct. 4th, was blue shirt day. Students were encouraged to wear blue shirts to show that they are united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Students were challenged to display one act of kindness towards someone.
Wednesday was superhero day with the theme of upstander and stand up for good day. Students were challenged to compliment someone.
Thursday, Oct. 6th, was orange shirt day. Students were encouraged to Unite Against Bullying by sending a message of support, hope, and unity to show that they are “together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. The day’s challenge was for students to show their gratitude and say thank you to three people.
Finally, on Oct 7, students were encouraged to wear New Richmond Lions red and black and Team up Against Bullies. The day’s challenge was to sit with someone new at lunch and learn one new fact about them.
Any students who completed the daily challenges could place their names in a box for a drawing at the end of the day with prizes awarded.
Overall, it was a successful week, Mrs. Gabriel said. Students definitely have a greater awareness of what bullying is and the steps that can be taken to help prevent it.