A high-energy assembly helped kick off the Olweus anti-bullying program for the 2017–18 school year
If they weren’t “10 feet tall and bully-proof” before Tuesday, the students at Birches Elementary School certainly have to be feeling that way now. The credo of Mark Moore, owner of Underground Fitness in Washington Township, was part of the high-energy assembly that helped kick off the Olweus anti-bullying program for the 2017–18 school year. Moore’s hour-long appearance also helped Birches kick off the New Jersey Week of Respect.
With superhero caricatures behind him and music thumping through the gym, Moore stressed the six pillars of character that are so important to the anti-bullying program — respect; citizenship; fairness; trustworthiness; responsibility; and caring. He also focused on the “Three A’s” that allow Birches students to stay “powerful and positive”: always try your best; always get better; and always have fun.
During the program, which started with students entering the gymnasium through a gauntlet of cheerleaders and through a fog machine-created haze, Moore continuously kept the group involved. He had volunteers act out anti-bullying scenes, display proper character and even play games. The most focused and attentive participants even received rewards. Students were engaged throughout, and they left with a better understanding of how they will keep up with their school’s 2017–18 moniker of “Birches Rocks!”
