Tamalpais Union High School District Works To Prevent Bullying

LARKSPUR, CA — October is National Bullying Prevention Month. The campaign aims to bring attention to the bullying problem and involve people nationwide in a conversation on how to create a world safe from bullying.

In Tamalpais Union High School District, preventing bullying is not just a priority in October, it is an ongoing commitment.

"The Tam District is making a concerted effort to build positive relationships with all students," said Mary O'Leary, executive assistant to the superintendent and board of trustees.

According to the district's September newsletter, the district has been discussing respect and responsibility and "the ways in which we can model these through our actions in order to set good examples for our students."

"This is part of our larger initiative of creating more inclusive and welcoming campus cultures," the newsletter reads. "While we have made progress, we still have work to do to ensure our young adults learn how to be kind and empathetic."

Also see: Unity Day: What It Is, How To Participate In Marin

The district has encouraged the following activities this month to help prevent bullying and increase the sense of belonging and inclusivity on its campuses:

• Week of Oct. 7: Meet someone new at school. Students were encouraged to make friends with someone they may not know and who may seem isolated.
• Week of Oct. 15: Stand up for others. Students were encouraged to stand up for someone who was being bullied or get an adult to help.
• Week of Oct. 21: Include others. Students are encouraged to include everyone at lunch and other activities during #NoOneEatsAlone Week.
• Week of Oct. 28: Start a conversation with your peers. Students are encouraged to start a conversation with their peers about improving the culture of their school.

In addition to the October activities, the district's schools have ongoing activities throughout the year, including Friday Night Live at Redwood and Tam Unity Days at Tam. Drake's motto this year is "Say hi-D-Nice."

Related: Bullying Prevention Month In Marin County

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying and a child's unthinkable decision to end their own life in hopes we might offer solutions that save lives.

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