MEXICO – SAD 43’s bus drivers and custodians are launching an anti-bullying campaign.
Tim Gallant, director of buildings, grounds and transportation, announced the new program at the annual Bus Drivers Appreciation Day luncheon Thursday afternoon.
Gallant said a $2,000 grant has enabled the purchase of reading materials raising bullying awareness, posters and presentations in the district’s two elementary schools. On Thursday, he and bus drivers Sandy and Walter Hammond and Peggy Masalsky brought the program to Rumford Elementary School. On Friday, it’s Meroby Elementary School’s turn.
“Bus drivers are the first person kids see, and sometimes the last,” said Gallant.
The program outlines a system for bus drivers to report any bullying behavior on their buses.
“We want kids to know they can go to bus drivers if there are problems. We want the kids to know they can talk to adults,” he said.
Sandy Hammond, a bus driver in the district for almost five years, said she sees a lot of poking and teasing among the young students on her bus.
“I’ve attended safety programs and believe we need safety in school,” she said. That includes safety from bullies. “The kids do point fingers at bullies and name names.”
Gallant believes if bullies are identified by enough people, the bully can no longer push other kids around. He said there are just as many girls who are bullies as boys.
He said the anti-bullying program will be brought to Mountain Valley Middle School next year. And eventually, he thinks the program will become a part of the district’s curriculum. Some teachers are already getting involved, he said.
Meanwhile, anti-bullying posters are being erected in district gymnasiums, on all buses, in the libraries and at all bus stops.
“We’re trying to make kids aware that bullying is bad,” said Gallant.
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