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| 'Be A Buddy; Not A Bully' banner held by assembly presenters and students. |
It sends a powerful message when adults with different roles in the community stand together to speak against bullying. On October 4th, Police Chief Eric Shears, Fire Chief Ralph Spencer, and Superintendent Dr. Jeff Mulqueen visited both Merrimac Schools to speak with students about the importance of being "A Buddy; Not A Bully." The event was part of a community-wide initiative, which also included Groveland, West Newbury, and other neighboring towns. Police Chief Eric Shears helped bring this initiative to all the Pentucket Schools.
The three Chiefs did a wonderful job tying the anti-bullying message in with the "Bucket Filler" theme we use all year long to promote kindness. (Follow the link at the top of this blog for additional information about Bucket Filling). After the assembly, students received green bracelets with the motto "Be A Buddy, Not A Bully" thanks to a generous donation from the Haverhill Bank. School Counselors, Sarah Angell Pond and Amy Brennan, then invited students to sign a banner pledging to "Be A Buddy and A Bucket Filler."
Below are some age appropriate examples we use as talking points.
Being a Buddy means
being a good friend (Bucket Filler):
§
Smiling
and saying hello
§
Saying
nice things to others- giving compliments
§
Using
good manners- (saying please and thank you)
§
Offering
to help others- (hold the door/ pick up someone’s pencil)
§
Inviting
others children to play at recess or to sit with you at lunch
§
Sharing
and taking turns
§
Respecting
others space- ‘Keep your hands and feet to your self."
Buddies help to stop bullying (bucket dipping):
§ Remind others to be kind, and help them to learn
and remember the rules
§ Using words to solve problems. If someone does something you do not like, tell them with your words. ('I do not like it when you
lean on my desk, please stop'.)
§
If
someone is hurt or really upset, get help by telling a grown up.