Bragg Battles Bullying With Lesson of Respect

The gym was packed, the powerpoint was humming and the students at Bragg School sat before Chester Township Police Sergeant Ed Noonan and Detective Anthony DaCunza and special guest Miss New Jersey Spirit 2012 Olivia DeMattio for a presentation on bullying.

The assembly was part of the Week of Respect, celebrated throughout the Chester district but spearheaded at Bragg by school Counselor Karen Andolina.

"This is part of the week of respect. We had spirit days all week here. For example on Monday we had kids wear sports jerseys as part of 'team up against bullying,'" Andolina said.

Andolina was quick to point out that the entire district was doing events throughout the week, not just Bragg. And everyone in the district from students up through teachers and administration were given red t-shirts with a unifying slogan to wear as well.

For his part, Sgt. Noonan was happy to be there to interact with the kids.

"We try to be here as much as possible with the kids. We come by for the 'Cops in Schools' program at lunch and in a couple weeks Detective DaCunza and I will be back to talk to them about Halloween safety," Noonan said. "The more involved we get the better."

DaCunza spoke to the group about bullying and led them through an activity with a piece of tissue paper. Crumpling it up and then asking students to smooth it out like new. The metaphor was to show kids that bullying leaves marks that can never fully be erased.

The officers also spoke about the importance of responsible reporting and how telling an adult when they witness bullying is not tattling, but what they should be doing for themselves and others.

Olivia DeMattio is a product of the Chester School district, and before she became Miss Teen New Jersey Spirit, she spent years suffering in silence at the hands of bullies who tormented her about her weight.

"It all started here in Bragg. And I went four years until I was in high school being bullied," DeMattio said.

The officers and DeMattio urged the group to be respectful and kind to one another, and to have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to bullying. And with luck, that message is one that sinks in.