Anti-Bullying Program Kicks Off in Wyandotte Schools

Wyandotte Public Schools has launched a new program this year that is aimed at educating students throughout the district about bullying.

Two staff members from each school make up the Bullying Prevention Committee, which focuses on ways to create a more positive environment for students.

Heading the committee is Ben Reynolds, who is the assistant principal at Roosevelt High School and Kristin McMaster, who is the principal at Washington Elementary School.

The program, which has just gotten under way this fall, is designed to encourage students to treat each with respect, Reynolds said.

“This is promoting doing the right thing, and not being negative to other people,” he said.

The two staff members representing each school are in charge developing age-appropriate programs to help convey the anti-bullying message at their own building, Reynolds said.

Programs have already included discussions, books and educational videos, he said.

Reynolds said bullying had not become rampant in Wyandotte schools, but there was a need to be proactive this year.

“I think it’s an issue that needs to be addressed," he said. “If you’re a school district in 2012, its something you need to look at.”

The committee has also designed a T-shirt to help raise awareness against bullying. On the back of the orange shirt is the slogan: “Strong people stand up for themselves. Stronger people stand up for others.” 

Reynolds said the shirts have been sold to students and staff so for $10 each, with any proceeds going back into the committee’s fund to help develop more programs.

On the first Friday of the month, students and faculty are encouraged to wear the shirt to school in a show of solidarity against bullying, Reynolds said.

The shirts are made by Wyandotte Tees, which is run by marketing students at Roosevelt. Reynolds said anyone interested in purchasing one of the shirts should visit the high school and place an order by Nov. 26.