‘Be A Buddy Not A Bully’ Walk Promotes Tolerance and Respect

COURT HOUSE—The brightly colored banner proclaimed “Be A Buddy Not A Bully,” confirming the chants of the children as they marched about the perimeter of the Ocean Academy School yard on Oct. 25. The autumn air embraced children and adults alike as the Anti-Bully rally flourished in the morning sunlight.
The children were greeted by McGruff, the famous “stranger awareness” and crime prevention dog. Ms. Donna Long an anti-bully specialist led the march and the chant, reinforcing the belief that it is always better to be a friend and a buddy than a bully. “The reason for the walk is to promote a healthy/safe environment and to encourage positive relationships with one another,” Long explained. Another purpose for the walk was to serve as “a fun activity to enhance our school climate.”
Although bullying is not a huge problem at the school, it does happen. “We nip any problem immediately,” said Long. “Last year we had seven or eight references, and this year only one reference. Educating staff and students helps them understand proper social skills and social interactions. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
A graduate of Marshall University and Rowan University, Long holds two Master’s degrees, including a degree in emotional disturbances. As the anti-bullying specialist at Ocean Academy, she specializes in dealing with students from the ages of 3–13, while Gerry Hofferica works with students from the ages of 14–21. Hofferica is the anti-bullying specialist and crisis counselor for the Cape May County High School. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Rowan University. Experienced in clinical work in the mental health community, Hofferica moved into public education 16 years ago. “Bullying is an imbalance of power, and consists of teasing, name calling, and making threats,” she explained. “We get references from anybody—students, parents or teachers. We investigate the victim, and the accused. An investigation is in depth.”
Both women concurred that although bullying can’t be stopped entirely, it can be controlled. Bullying occurs across all age groups, and is demonstrated and manifested in different ways. The Cape May County Special Services School District has a very specific timeline for any Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying claim (also known as HIB incidents). Losing no time when an HIB incident occurs, a verbal report is given to the principal the day of the occurrence. A written report is then given to the principal, and an investigation is initiated within a day of the report, conducted by the specialists. The principal notifies the parents by phone and in writing immediately, and the investigation is completed as soon as possible. The school district is swift to act on any bullying incident. The specific timeline is strictly adhered to since the school district is committed to the protection of its students in a safe educational environment.
Since October is designated Anti-Violence Awareness Month, educational activities are required to affirm and promote this very important and timely message. The school district wisely embraces a variety of character education themes that promote social skills. Each month focuses on a different theme such as Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. The school district is truly committed to providing a safe and secure educational environment for all its students.
As the students concluded their march against bullying, the goals of peace and respect were indeed manifested. The beauty of the day was enhanced by the beauty of the message: share friendship, show tolerance and extend kindness and compassion to others whenever possible.