On Wednesday, October 28, 2015, the Elk Grove Unified School District participated in the 3rd annual “Stand Up, Speak Out” youth rally against bullying at the State Capitol. District Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (PBIS) coaches partnered with Technology Services to showcase anti-bullying efforts and programs across the district.
Elementary and middle school students from Sacramento made their way through the booths, joining in conversations and activities centered around standing up and speaking out against bullying. By visiting a minimum of four booths, students were eligible to win raffle prizes/gift cards.
EGUSD gave out #UnfollowBullying wristbands and also offered students the opportunity to create thumbprint leaves on the “wellness tree” – pledging to work towards a wellness goal: a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy learning.
Event speakers included EGUSD’s Board of Trustees President Bobbie Singh-Allen, U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner, Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones, Capital City Trial Lawyers Association Director Stephen Davids, and Sacramento City Unified Board of Trustees President Darrel Woo.
Stephen Davids introduced his dog Winston and shared stories illustrating techniques for dealing with bullying by not engaging with the bully (unfriendly dog) and not changing who you are, no matter what situations might arise.
The Wall of Acceptance offered visitors the chance to see student work connected to the event.
We hope over the next year our EGUSD schools will continue to document samples of students standing up and speaking out against bullying. We look forward to showcasing these stories at future events both in and beyond the school district.
