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Area schools put focus on anti-bullying law, education during ‘Week of Respect’
Today kicks off a “Week of Respect” in all New Jersey public and charter schools.
A requirement of the new Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights signed into law this year, the week joins School Violence Awareness Week, Oct. 17-21, and anti-drug-and-alcohol Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 22-30, in focusing on the social and emotional aspects of education.
“October really is social awareness month,” said Jennifer Handson, a counselor at Sovereign Avenue School in Atlantic City. “We focus on those issues this month but really also do a lot throughout the year.”
Atlantic City uses the Olweus Bullying Prevention program, with activities planned for the month including a poster and T-shirt design contest, Straight Talk assemblies, and essay writing. Handson has planned a lesson on teasing for fifth-graders, and sixth-graders will get a lesson on respecting themselves and others. (D’Amico, Press of Atlantic City)