Day One:

In 2009, over 13 percent of Maine high school students reported that they had been forced to have sexual contact in their lifetime (18 percent of females, 9 percent of males). Fifteen percent do not agree with the statement "I feel safe at my school." Over 10 percent report having been harassed or attacked at school because of their perceived masculinity or femininity.

Almost 20 percent (24 percent of females, 15 percent of males) have been the target or offensive sexual comments at school or on the way to or from school.

The website, Backbone Zone, showcases a poster collection which teaches that words have an impact even if YOU don’t see. Create a poster similar to those showcased the Backbone Zone website. Make a Difference. Challenge hurtful language that is currently used. Choose different words. Support people who are being harassed. Violent words support violent behavior.

School climate plays a crucial role in students' safety and their ability to learn effectively. The good news is that there are steps that we can take to improve school climate and reduce gender stereotypes and gender-based violence.

Everybody has a backbone use yours.

Unfortunately, there have been too many recent events that demonstrate the need to improve the world climate.

• Gays Can't be excluded for juries because they are gay, U.S. Court Rules, 
• Ugandan president signs anti-gay law
• Ugandan tabloid prints list of "homosexuals"
• Arizona Governor Jan Brewster vetoes devisive bill seen as anti-gay

Day Two: 

Today will use Google Presentations to create a poster using  homonyms that connote inappropraite,sexist or homophobic language. Remember the reason for our posters is to encourage others to choose different words and give them skills to be active bystanders when they hear inappropraite,sexist or homophobic language. This is the beginning a a step that each one of us can take to end gender-stereo types and help sexual violence. 

"Realize WORDS have an impact even if you don't always see it. Together let's change the culture. " 

Name your document " Word: Lastname period" .  Share your poster with vshaw@socsd.org

Here is the official website for Thiteen Reasons Why.

If you are 13 years old or older you can log onto 13RW Project website and share how the book had affected you.

Student bullying in schools in the United States is a serious issue and very prevalent in our school systems today. The statistics show that a student is bullied every seven minutes in our country and that most bullying occurs on playgrounds. The effects of bullying are profound and have a major psychological impact on the bullied student and often causes learning problems in the classroom. The majority of states have bullying laws on the books, but most are not significant enough to impact this problem or reduce the amount of bullying that occurs nationwide. Without more stringent laws and the actual enforcement of those laws, school systems will not feel the pressure to take the affirmative measures necessary to eliminate the bullying problem that terrorizes so many innocent and vulnerable children everyday. We Are the Solution is an anti-bullying campaign and pledge started by students at Edward Town Middle School in Sanborn, NY. Watch the video below and take the pledge HERE!!
[Source: Buckfire and Buckfire.com]

CyberBullying is a growing problem among children and teenagers on the Internet. The anonymity and ease of communication the Internet provides can create a vehicle for bullying, harassment and defamation, harmful actions that can make the Internet a hostile and dangerous place. CyberBullying is a problem that must be addressed and solved.

Watch the video below to understand the impact of CyberBullying.
Click here to view the CyberBullying Toolkit which is filled with resources and statistical information regarding the impact of CyberBullying.

Associated Press NEWARK, N.J. — Does one second-grader saying another has "cooties" rise to the level of bullying? That is just one question emerging from new legislation prompted by the suicide of a Rutgers University student one year ago Thursday.

David Roach of Greenville Middle Academy: social studies teacher, coach, first responder, and now a hero. During the first shift of Greenville Middle Academy's 8th grade lunch, Turner Hayes approached the teachers' table in distress. It took the teachers a moment to realize what was happening because the student was unable to communicate verbally—he was red-faced and teary-eyed. Turner was choking.

There was half a second of confusion and panic, but fortunately there were two first responders seated among the teachers. Mr. David Roach reacted calmly, quickly, and heroically, rushing around the table to engage the student in the Heimlich maneuver. It took Mr. Roach several tries to dislodge the obstruction, and during this time, the 8th graders of GMA did an excellent job remaining seated and calm.

Afterward, Turner was understandably shaken, but otherwise fine. He checked in with the school nurse, and then returned to the cafeteria to collect his things. He walked in to a round of thunderous applause from the student body, equal parts joy at seeing him well, and gratitude to Mr. Roach, whose quick, decisive action saved the day.

Watch the video below so you can learn how to administer the Heilmlich manuever.

• Could you stay healthy eating three or fewer of the foods shown here? Explain your answer, using information from the site.
• Why do you think 75 percent of the U.S. population doesn't meet daily recommended dietary needs? What ideas do you have about changing the nutritional habits of people in this country?