JAY – Jay Elementary School kicked off its anti-bullying campaign on Oct. 31 at an assembly when Principal Chris Hollingsworth talked to the student body about kindness, respect, tolerance and the importance of helping one another.

“Here at Jay Elementary we are buddies, not bullies,” he said.

The Jay Middle School Civil Rights Team presented skits depicting bullying behavior and the audience was encouraged to come up with the best solutions. Students were also asked to sign a banner made by the Jay Elementary Civil Rights Team pledging to be a buddy, not a bully.

Following the assembly students spent time on the playground with teachers and volunteers, learning appropriate playground activities and rules.

The Jay Elementary Bullying Prevention Committee has been working with the Franklin County Children’s Task Force, funded by the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, for the past year designing the anti-bullying program.

Other schools interested in implementing a bullying prevention program are encouraged to contact the task force at 778-6960.