LAPLACE — Students in St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools took a stand during National Bullying Prevention Month.

Throughout the month of October, schools focused on working with students to understand why bullying is unacceptable and provided activities in support of that message.

The goal of a bulletin board contest at Garyville-Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School was to increase awareness of the prevalence and impact of all forms of bullying on all children of all ages. Each class was asked to create a board around bullying prevention. The class with the winning board received a pizza party.

John L. Ory Communications Magnet School participated in the Be Strong Live Tour – National Bullying Prevention Event. The event brought thousands of students and educators together for a high-energy inspirational experience featuring motivational speakers, inspiring musicians and influencers who have personally overcome bullying situations.

East St. John Preparatory Academy students participated in a Puzzle Piece Project. Students decorated a puzzle piece to show their differences and then put them together to prove that even though we are all different we all still fit together. The point of this lesson was to show the students that they should celebrate their differences instead of picking on others or tearing others down for being different.

“We all have something special to bring to the table and if we stop to appreciate that, then we can all get along and learn something from each other,” counselor Jennifer Russell said.

This year, St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools have implemented a new anti-bullying curriculum. The Chicken Soup for the Soul program is being used in grades kindergarten through 8. The curriculum is an engaging approach to combat bullying with characters that are relatable to students.

Any student who believes he is the victim of bullying, hazing or a similar behavior, or any student, parent, or guardian who witnesses bullying, hazing or a similar behavior or has good reason to believe it is taking place, may report the situation to a school official. In turn, they will report the situation to the principal or a designee. A student, parent or guardian may also report concerns regarding bullying, hazing or a similar behavior to a teacher, counselor, other school employee or to any parent chaperoning or supervising a school function or activity. Reports are confidential.

National Bullying Prevention Month is sponsored by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, which offers resources for schools, parents and students at pacer.org/bullying.