By: Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Berkeley County Schools (BCS) is preparing for its annual Bullying Prevention Kickoff, scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, at War Memorial Park.
The community will gather for a fun evening all about bringing people together and reminding students and people in the county of the importance of being kind and considerate to others.
For several years, BCS has hosted a special event to help prevent bullying in schools. This event is the official kickoff for its bully prevention program. Throughout the third week of September, several schools are hosting their own bullying prevention events to raise more awareness.
According to the BCS website, the best way to prevent bullying is to get the whole school community involved.
“The BCS Bullying Prevention program builds upon our over 13 years of efforts to reduce bullying, harassment and intimidation; enhance appropriate and positive peer-to-peer relations among all age groups; and improve the climate and culture within our schools, offices, and community,” BCS said on its website. “Research demonstrates that effective bullying prevention programs must be comprehensive and involve all aspects of the school community to be effective.”
The annual bullying prevention event is one way BCS brings the community together to raise awareness and help protect students. The event will include delicious food, a DJ dance party, performances by school bands, show choirs and more, balloons, prizes and giveaways, face painting and many different community resources for families. It’s designed to support BCS families and bring bullying prevention to the forefront, so students, teachers and community members can work together to put a stop to these situations.
If the weather is bad, the event will be moved to Martinsburg North Middle School. For more information about the Bullying Prevention Kickoff event visit the BCS Facebook page.