Chenango Forks Elementary Kicks Off Olweus Anti-Bullying Program

10/12/2012 (Updated 6:55:43 PM)

(Source: Kate Thornton)

On Friday, the Chenango Forks Elementary school kicked off it's Olweus anti-bullying program to teach the students how to avoid and prevent bullying situations.

Principal Nicole Knapp said the program has been a year in the making between the staff, parents, and the community.

"They're working really hard to get bullying prevention and to overcome bullying obstacles we have in the building," said Knapp.

The slogan of the program is "Be a buddy, not a bully."

All the students and teachers wore a blue shirt, the color for anti-bullying activism, with the slogan written on it.

To kick off the day, each class carried a banner they created that pledged their commitment towards anti-bullying in a parade around the school. 

Power of One MMA from Vestal did a presentation on bullying situations and to prevent, and avoid them.

Bree Fragnoli, a fifth grader at Chenango Forks Elementary was new to the school last year.  She said at her last school, people weren't very nice, and was happy to see everyone was very friendly in her new class.  "I think the anti-bullying program is very helpful because some people can be really mean," said Fragnoli.

Fourth grader Kaylee Maietta said she's been part of a bullying situation, but think it's important to know what to do.  "I think we can learn that it's best to stand up for people and not stand and watch them get bullied," said Maietta.

Knapp said the point is to get the students excited about the program, so when they start the curriculum, they're just as passionate about it as the teachers are.