JAY — Jay Elementary School recently kicked off their anti-bullying program. Brandon Baldwin, the statewide schools/curriculum coordinator for the Maine Civil Rights Team Project, was the keynote speaker for a gym full of kindergarten through third grade students.

Baldwin began the assembly by introducing the school’s Civil Rights Team. He then talked to students about likes and dislikes, differences and tolerance. After viewing a clip from Dr. Seuss’ “The Sneetches,” Baldwin led the students to think about how they treat those who are somehow different from themselves. He ended the assembly by juggling three different objects.

The assembly kicked off Respect Others Week with activities ranging from Lunch Buddies to Dress to Express Yourself to signing the Be a Buddy, Not a Bully banner. The Jay Elementary Buddy Team has been working with the Franklin County Children’s Task Force, funded by the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, for two years implementing their anti-bullying program.

Other schools interested in implementing a bullying prevention program are encouraged to contact the Franklin County Children’s Task Force at 778-6960.