Take a Stand, Lend a Hand – Stop Bullying
Back to School Night this year was exceptionally exciting for students, staff and parents at Westbridge Academy! Dr. Viviana Litovsky, Director and Robert Rodenbaugh, Principal declared October 13th as “Anti-Bullying Day”. In an effort to combat bullying, students and staff participated in a series of workshops and activities to increase the awareness of the concept of bullying. All wore red, white and blue to symbolize their unity against bullying and the rights of all children to have a safe learning environment.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, bullying among children is an aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power or strength. It can take many forms such as physical bullying, verbal bullying, emotional bullying and cyber-bullying. Westbridge Academy has developed an active bullying prevention program. A “Bully Buster Team” has been created to address children who bully and the victims of bullying. A “Bully Buster Box” is located in the school lunchroom where children can safely and privately report any instances of bullying that they may experience. The team then investigates the situation and appropriate consequences are assigned. Parents are encouraged to partner with the school to support their children’s efforts to eliminate bullying.
Westbridge Academy is dedicated to providing students with courteous and respectful treatment in a safe and protective school environment. Staff and students created a Handprint Rainbow Banner which is proudly displayed at the entrance of the building. This banner represents a signed commitment by each staff member and every student to join together in efforts to stop bullying.
