Sherburne students set out to stop bullying
SHERBURNE – Fourth graders at Sherburne-Earlville identified a problem in their school this year, and the active students refuse to take the issue lying down. On Monday night, a group addressed the school board about the issue of bullying.
A group of fourth grade students organized earlier in the school year around the slogan “S-E stops bullying together.” The 18 students in Mrs. Johnson’s class identified bullying as an issue and are taking steps to prevent it. According to the parent of one student in the class, the idea for the group came after one of the students in the class was the victim of bullying on the playground. The class began discussing the problem and how they could help each other.
“My class of 18 fourth graders started talking earlier this year about their experiences in school and those of their friends and siblings. It took all of these conversations and observations to realize that bullying is all too common and maybe we should do something,” Johnson said.
Students conducted a survey, asking second through fourth grade students if they had ever been bullied or seen other students being bullied at school. The results showed that 77 percent of second graders, 80 percent of third graders and 81 percent of fourth graders reported being bullied, while 67 percent of second graders, 77 percent of third graders and 83 percent of fourth graders reported witnessing bullying. “Bullying should stop in every school. People are getting hurt,” said fourth grader Sal Magro.
In addition to the students’ findings, a recent Zogby International telephone survey of adults in Chenango County showed that 60 percent of adults surveyed agreed that bullying is a problem in local schools. Of adults with children under the age of 17, 65 percent agree that bullying is a problem.
“A proactive approach to the identified problem of bullying is another way the school is trying to improve the social and academic lives of students,” said Elementary Principal John Douchinsky.
While school has ended for the year, the 18 students will continue with Mrs. Johnson in the fifth grade and plan to continue their efforts. The students have planned weekly handouts on bullying, ways to prevent it, how to know it is happening and what to do about it. Another survey will be conducted in the fall to gauge their progress.
The group hopes their efforts will make everyone aware of the problem of bullying, help everyone work together to stop bullying in the school and stop bullies from being able to hurt others through positive peer pressure.
“I think kids can make a difference if they work hard enough,” said fourth grader Kenneth Ulrich.
The board thanked the students for the information they offered and said they would take everything they said under advisement for future planning.
A group of fourth grade students organized earlier in the school year around the slogan “S-E stops bullying together.” The 18 students in Mrs. Johnson’s class identified bullying as an issue and are taking steps to prevent it. According to the parent of one student in the class, the idea for the group came after one of the students in the class was the victim of bullying on the playground. The class began discussing the problem and how they could help each other.
“My class of 18 fourth graders started talking earlier this year about their experiences in school and those of their friends and siblings. It took all of these conversations and observations to realize that bullying is all too common and maybe we should do something,” Johnson said.
Students conducted a survey, asking second through fourth grade students if they had ever been bullied or seen other students being bullied at school. The results showed that 77 percent of second graders, 80 percent of third graders and 81 percent of fourth graders reported being bullied, while 67 percent of second graders, 77 percent of third graders and 83 percent of fourth graders reported witnessing bullying. “Bullying should stop in every school. People are getting hurt,” said fourth grader Sal Magro.
In addition to the students’ findings, a recent Zogby International telephone survey of adults in Chenango County showed that 60 percent of adults surveyed agreed that bullying is a problem in local schools. Of adults with children under the age of 17, 65 percent agree that bullying is a problem.
“A proactive approach to the identified problem of bullying is another way the school is trying to improve the social and academic lives of students,” said Elementary Principal John Douchinsky.
While school has ended for the year, the 18 students will continue with Mrs. Johnson in the fifth grade and plan to continue their efforts. The students have planned weekly handouts on bullying, ways to prevent it, how to know it is happening and what to do about it. Another survey will be conducted in the fall to gauge their progress.
The group hopes their efforts will make everyone aware of the problem of bullying, help everyone work together to stop bullying in the school and stop bullies from being able to hurt others through positive peer pressure.
“I think kids can make a difference if they work hard enough,” said fourth grader Kenneth Ulrich.
The board thanked the students for the information they offered and said they would take everything they said under advisement for future planning.
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