Battling Bullying with Buddies

More than 200 students and parents attended a get-together at School 10 Monday night featuring dancing, sing-alongs and food.

But all the fun had a serious purpose too: To discourage bullying and, more importantly, to encourage cooperation and friendliness among the school community.

Last year state lawmakers approved a new anti-bullying law strengthening an existing law that had been on books for eight years. As part of that initiative, schools across the state are celebrating “anti-bullying week”.

But School 10’s principal, Susan Rovell, believes there should be a different emphasis Instead of focusing on what kids shouldn’t do -- bully one another -- Rovell is urging her charges to act positively towards one another.

“New Jersey has the anti-bullying law that went into effect but our school is not focusing on the bullying part, but on how to be a buddy,” Rovell said.

Monday night, student artwork on display reflected that theme. The school’s mascot is a companionable penguin named, fittingly enough, “Buddy.” Throughout the year, older students will read to younger students and other curricula will be geared towards encouraging students to be friendly to one another.

The get-together Monday extended that idea from kids to their parents and guardians, especially important in an era when grown-ups don’t necessarily know their neighbors.

“We wanted families to get together, not just the kids, but their parents too,” said Rovell.