ELLINWOOD — Ellinwood Grade School students recently wore black to support anti-bullying. In addition, each spring semester they work on a six week course to create a positive school atmosphere.
According to Cindy Vink, EGS guidance counselor, last year 145 students signed a pledge form to not engage in bullying, calling EGS a "No Put-Down Zone."
"We can all make a difference by not tolerating name-calling and bullying, by respecting each other’s feelings, by taking a stand and lending a hand, by turning beauty inside out and thus ultimately making ourselves better people and our school and community a better place to be," said Vink in a letter.
They remind the students how powerful words are, and post signs to remind the students. Each student is given a badge about making EGS a bully-free school.
Students are reminded to do the right thing and reach out to students who are isolated and by not laughing when they see unacceptable or cruel behavior.
The Kansas State Senate and the Kansas State Board of Education declared the first full week in October as "Anti-bullying Awareness Week."