The school used innovative way to spread important messages of tolerance, inclusion and acceptance
Hurffville Elementary School third-grader Aubrey Kerr picked up an iPad and scanned a large QR code that had been placed in front of the third-grade’s anti-bullying message. Instantly, a video clip from “Finding Nemo” grabbed Aubrey’s and her classmates’ attention, creatively illustrating the theme “Third Grade Swims Together” and reminding the students that “here in third grade, we know that as a team we can accomplish anything.”
Similar stations were placed by grade level throughout the building, and students took turns visiting the stations, accessing the QR codes and watching videos, sway and memes designed to emphasize the anti-bullying rules.
The school’s Olweus Committee opted out of a school-wide assembly to introduce their anti-bullying initiative to the school, and instead brainstormed an innovative way to get the important messages about tolerance, inclusion and acceptance across. Committee members, who collaborated on developing and illustrating grade-level themes, included Larissa Fanning, Staci McCauley, Caroline Williams, Michael Otto, Brian Maxwell, Laura DiPietro, Matt Murray and Nancy Leong. Otto was credited with creating the technology enhancements that were accessed through the iPads.
“These stations present our own take on the anti-bullying rules and reinforce the messages that we hope to convey to our students,” Otto said. “The kids have enjoyed moving throughout the building and incorporating the technology into the activity.”
Some of the other themes and videos that the students encountered during their walk throughout the school included, “Let’s Work Together,” “We May All Be Different Shades, But We All Color the Same,” “Being a Friend is Cool. Being a Bully is Not,” “Mean Words Stink- Hurtful Words and Actions Belong in the Trash.”
