On our trip to San Diego for the School Social Work Conference, Michael took the time to visit a local school, Alpine Elementary. He spoke on issues of bullying and the need to create inclusive and caring school communities — and asked several student to share their experiences with the group. As usual when he does this, a number of children came up and shared their moving stories. Continue reading
February 27, 2013
Our final school visit during our trip to Southern California was to Jordon Elementary, where we showed Dealing with Bullies. from the Stepping Up To Bullying DVD. Lively and fun discussions took place in both assemblies. I especially enjoyed the reaction of a group of boys in the 3rd through 6th group who loved Dieter and reveled in his wild and crazy outbursts. Continue reading
February 26, 2013
At El Portal Elementary, we showed Standing Up, Not Standing By from Stepping On Up again with great success. Continue reading
February 25, 2013
We had more good discussions after viewing Dealing with Bullies at Olita Elementary. Apropos of the discussions we had last week at Macy Elementary, a boy came up and told the group about how he has been repeatedly bullied while playing games on Xbox Live. Continue reading
February 24th, 2013
Face the Nation had a good discussion on mental illness, gun violence and video games, which included: Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Penn., Michael Fitzpatrick (National Mental Health Alliance), Tim Winters (Head of the Parents’ Television Council), Mary Ellen O’Toole (Former FBI Profiler) and Chris Ferguson (Texas A&M University). Continue reading
February 22, 2013
We showed Being Safe and Secure on the Web at Macy Elementary, the first time we have shown it during one of our presentations. I was pleased to see that the younger students became very engaged with the video program and had a great deal to share on the topic afterwards. Continue reading
February 21, 2013
At Meadow Green Elementary we showed Building Bully-Free Schools/Communities and the students came up with wonderful ideas for a school-wide campaign against bullying. Continue reading
Day two of our LA trip. Today we went to La Pluma Elementary in La Mirada, CA., another wonderful school in the Norwalk-La Mirada district. We showed Stepping On Up: Standing Up, Not Standing By to follow up on some of the lessons already being taught at the school. A great discussions ensued about the need to be an Upstander, not a Bystander and stop bullies from hurting people. Continue reading
Today we start our 10-day trip to Southern California to show Stepping On Up to elementary school students at seven schools. We are excited to be on the road and spending time with the kids. We are looking forward to seeing how the programs are received in the real world. We have received a number of awards, but the real proof of the worth of the shows is in the classroom. Continue reading