Page 40 - October 2020 Issue_Neat

Angel Perez, Program Coordinator for Caroline Mentoring
CASA Project at Caroline Family YMCA noted how important this
is for families of all nationalities and ties in with the YMCA’s
Court Appointed
recent “Welcoming Week: Creating Home Together”. He says,
Special Advocate
“Our Welcoming Week in September was a celebration of diver-
sity in our community and encourages respect and solidarity.
Stop the Bullying! We joined this coalition because bullying has no place in a
welcoming community like ours.” Calloway added that bullying
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. CASA of in any form is not tolerated in Caroline County Public Schools.
Caroline has partnered with Character Counts Mid-Shore, “We believe that all students should feel welcomed, supported,
Caroline County Family YMCA and Caroline County Public and safe in their school environment.”
Schools to raise awareness around prevention of bullying and
The coalition has developed several activities for all CCPS

cyberbullying.“Character Counts Mid Shore is pleased to
students and families. All students are encouraged to partici-
partner with these like-minded organizations in this eff ort. Th e
pate in a Bullying Prevention Poster Contest which will run
anti-bullying message that this coalition of partners is sharing
from Monday, September 21 through Friday, October 9. Th e
— that of kindness, empathy, and personal accountability — is
guidelines will be distributed to all CCPS students through

critical for young people. This has never been more true than
their art teachers. In addition, all students and Caroline County
during the current public health crisis, where all of us, young
residents are encouraged to wear blue on Monday, October 5
and old alike, are particularly in need of a caring and unifi ed
in recognition of World Day of Bullying Prevention. Students
community.”, said Lauren Weber, Executive Director of Char-
are also asked to sign an Anti-Bullying Pledge and attach it
acter Counts Mid Shore.

to their poster entry. The poster entries will be displayed in
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, storefronts in downtown Denton. CCPS families and Caroline

more than one out of every five students will be bullied this County residents are encouraged to wear orange on Wednes-
year. Students who are bullied are more likely to experience low day, October 21 in recognition of World Unity Day and walk
self-esteem and isolation, perform poorly in school, have few around downtown Denton to view the poster entries and vote
friends in school, have a negative view of school, experience for their favorite.
physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, or prob- Sadly, bullying and cyberbullying do occur so what should you
lems sleeping), and to experience mental health issues (such do if you or someone you know is the victim of bullying? “We
as depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety). Cara Calloway, strongly encourage anyone concerned about bullying to report
Mental Health Coordinator for CCPS, says, “Th e emotional

effects of bullying can last into adulthood for both the victim
and the bully, impacting functioning in family, community, and

work settings. Reporting, swift intervention, and provision of
ongoing support and education to all involved is critical to the
mental health and emotional safety of students.”
Bullying occurs in many forms. It can be pushing, shoving,
hitting, name calling, making fun of, laughing at/ridiculing and
excluding someone. Cyberbullying has become more prevalent
in recent years and especially during the pandemic. It is when 10092 New Bridge Rd, Denton
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you torment, threaten, harass or humiliate someone on the
internet, cell phone or through some other form of digital SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE at 10:45 AM

media. This is probably happening to someone you know and
care about right now. st nd
Wednesday Pot Luck 1 & 2 Saturdays
Unfortunately, when bullying is learned at an early age, it oft en Dinner 6:30; and Men's Ministries
continues into adulthood. Amy Horne, Director of Outreach Bible Study at 7 PM at 8 AM
and Partnerships at CASA of Caroline says, “It was important
for this coalition to come together to promote the nationwide 3 Saturdays 2 & 4 Saturdays
rd
nd
th
Bullying Prevention campaign in our schools and encourage at 8 AM • FREE Women's Ministries
students and their families to talk about it. CASA of Caroline
Breakfast Ministry at 1 PM
strives to support healthy families and happy childhoods and
we believe an open discussion about this subject is critical for
both of those.” People who enjoy mutually supportive relation- All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
ships with their family members are more likely to confi de in
each other, seek help when life becomes difficult, and have a For more information call 443-754-9602 or

healthy family environment. visit our website or Face book page.
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