The Power of One at Albany Avenue Elementary

Albany Avenue Elementary School in Lindenhurst recently put together a compelling anti-bullying program entitled The Power of One. This was in conjunction with the school's No Name-Calling Week.

The students used boxes, colors and masks in a series of skits that portrayed what bullying is, what could be done about it and how every child has the power of one – the power to report bullying when they see it.

The important message that bystanders are as guilty as bullies was emphasized. The skits gave vivid examples of different types of bullying including physical, verbal, exclusion and cyberbullying.

At the end of the program, Albany Avenue students took The Power of One oath:

• I will not bully others.
• I will not stand by while others are bullied.
• I will report and deal with bullying whenever I see it.
• Because I have The Power of One.

Other No Name-Calling Week events included classroom lessons focused on positive peer relations, recess activities and a school-wide project that displayed cut-out hands emphasizing unity.

Information and photos submitted by Carol Hauser.