Our school system is providing programs such as Second Step, for grades K-8, and Peer Mediation for grades 9-12 in fostering the respect of differences and diversity. What I have done as a school committee member is work together with the Citywide PTO in hosting a forum with former Senator Jarrett Barrios in speaking about the bullying issues and what we could do. I have also brought the Senator together with Representative Donato to co-sign a Bullying Bill. The idea of the bill is not to give our teachers more to do, but to have a law to state that the bullying will be looked upon the same throughout the commonwealth. Unfortunately, there are circumstances were the victim is the one to move or reschedule their class; this bill is to say, No! It is time for the bully to pay for their action and not the victim! I have also worked with the Citywide PTO and Tuft’s University in piloting a Peace Game Program for students in the 4th and 5th grades throughout our public school system. I have recently participated in the Bullying Forum hosted by Representative Donato at the City Hall Chambers to spread awareness of this issue to parents, students and the public at large.
