Baldwin-Whitehall School District

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Paynter's Anti-Bullying Program

W.R. Paynter Elementary School in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District gathered an assembly of students, community members, parents and teachers for the inauguration of the annual anti-bullying program. The assembly included an educational component about what constitutes bullying, which was led by school social worker, Mark Lepore and Dr. Mary Margaret Kerr, who is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Education with the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and a parent of students in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. A police officer from the Baldwin Police Department, Tony Cortazzo, spoke to the students about how to get help in the community.

The anti-bullying committee comprised of teachers and other school personnel did a presentation using the HaHaSo strategies for maintaining safety and getting out of a bullying situation. Members of the Paynter PTA made buttons for all of the students which say ‘I walk the NO bullying path” the buttons were then signed at the bottom by each student. Cards with the HaHaSo strategy were donated to the entire student body by Senator Jay Costa’s office. An exciting highlight of the assembly was a visit by the Pittsburgh Pirate parrot. The zany antics of the Parrot had the children laughing and smiling. Many students stated that they would never forget this assembly and the experiences they had. When the students returned to their classrooms, teachers administered a short questionnaire about the educational component of the assembly. Students showed a very good grasp of the anti-bullying message and principles.

Activities will continue to be presented throughout the year that reminds students not to bully and to follow pro-social messages and gestures. Banners and posters have been hung throughout the school building. Fifth grade student leaders will be performing role-plays to the younger students on how it is important not to bullying, to treat people with respect and kindness, and strategies to handle students who may bully.

Posted 10/9/03

Administration Building, 4900 Curry Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Phone: 412-884-6300

Fax: 412-885-7802