“Bully,” “Victim,” “Cyberbullying,” and “Passive and Active Bystanders” were all terms that were talked about and explained during Anti-Bullying Awareness Day at MTA. On Tuesday, November 25th, the whole school dedicated its time to analyzing and discussing the issue of bullying and the power of being an Active Bystander. The program was led by Mrs. Tamar Sheffey, Director of Guidance, with the deep involvement of administrators, faculty and student council. “Thank God, we do not have a bullying problem at MTA, but the ideas surrounding Bullying Prevention, especially promoting active involvement from bystanders, are lessons that our students will take with them for the rest of their lives,” said Mrs. Sheffey.
That day each grade was involved in an interactive activity where they were given bullying scenarios and had a chance to discuss with their groups and the larger grade as a whole. Lively discussions ensued as each grade came up with many ideas for help via Active Bystanders. A video presentation from The Bystander Revolution, followed by students signing their names to a banner as they pledged to take a stand against bullying, completed the grade-wide program. “Band Against Bullying” bracelets were given out as well as anti-bullying pencils and dog tags.
In the classrooms, rebbeim and teachers found their own way to cover the topic. Using Gemarah based sources on the issur of embarrassing someone, scientific articles on the brain function of the bully, victim and bystander, videos, historical events, current events and other ideas, they put their usual classroom topics aside to focus on this very important topic. Drama skits, friendship building games, and other activities could be heard through the hallways. Gavi Goldstein, a sophomore, said, “Each teacher was able to come at the topic from his/her own angle. It was great to hear what s/he had to say.”
Teachers also really enjoyed talking to students in a different way than usual. Mrs. H.L. Zacks said, “The kids had tons to say and took it very seriously! The teachers told me they were having ‘so much fun’ and that ‘the lesson went extremely well.’ I think today was a huge success!”
Spirit Month, which bridges MTA’s annual Shabbaton with its Chanuka Chagiga, is chock full of school spirit events, dress up days, and grade vs. grade competitions. “With all of the regular Spirit Month activities, the students grow closer as friends and it strengthens our community of learners. The Bullying Prevention day was a perfect complement to this–to show the students how they can protect ourselves from things that may damage the social fabric of our yeshiva,” said Mr. Yosef Gillers, Assistant Director of Student Activities. He and Rabbi Jon Green, the Director of Student Activities, worked with the Student Council to plan the month of fun and activities. They were incredibly happy to be able to incorporate the Bullying Prevention Day into the programming.
A freshman stopped into the Guidance office at the end of the day to say thank you. “The day was great,” he said. “Just the fact that we are recognizing bullying as an issue means a lot to our students.”
Student Council members are hard at work planning for the next full day of guidance programming!
