SHARE

Valhalla Students Work Hard To 'Stomp Out Bullying'

MOUNT PLEASANT, N.Y. -- A sea of students in blue shirts filled the hallways, cafeteria and classrooms as the children raised awareness for anti-bullying.

Valhalla students celebrate Blue Shirt Day in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month.

Valhalla students celebrate Blue Shirt Day in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month.

Photo Credit: Natalia Baage-Lord
Students unite against bullying.

Students unite against bullying.

Photo Credit: Natalia Baage-Lord

As October is National Bullying Prevention Month, Valhalla Middle/High School celebrated Blue Shirt Day on Monday, Oct. 6, to combat bullying throughout the district. Collaborating with the organization Stomp Out Bullying, the students were encouraged to wear the color blue to show their support for the issue.

“There was a nice response from the students and staff,” said Valhalla High School Principal Jon Thomas. “It’s important for them to understand the message and spread it throughout the building.”

A good number of children and adults donned blue, proud to highlight the cause. Thomas noted that the anti-bullying discussion between students and teachers has matured, and they are looking for more ways to combat it.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, Valhalla Middle and High School students discussed anti-bullying on the overhead speaker at the start of the day and initiated the month focused on anti-bullying. On Thursday, Oct. 30, Valhalla Middle School students will meet with anti-bullying advocate John Halligan, who relayed the story of his son, Ryan, who committed suicide followed by incessant bullying and cyberbullying.

Below is the script that the students read at the beginning of October.

“Good morning. Every October, schools across the country observe National Bullying Prevention Month. In Valhalla, we are proud to say that we do not accept or condone bullying of any kind. This month we want to help stop bullying by making more people aware of how bullying affects all of us.

"What can you do? Make friends with someone you don’t know. Stand up for other people. See something, hear something, say something. Take action. Be a leader. Be a part of the solution.

"This Monday, people will show their support to stop bullying by wearing blue shirts. We will be joining other schools across the country to say we don’t believe in bullying and want to help put a stop to it. Please join us by wearing a blue shirt to school on Monday.

"Thank you for your support, your awareness and for standing up to say ‘Bullying is not acceptable in Valhalla.’”

to follow Daily Voice Mount Pleasant and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE