The Upper Elementary School’s students and staff continue to take a stand against bullying.
During the month of October, the school is celebrating “National Bullying Prevention Month.” 
The annual cause was founded by the PACER Center in 2006, a nonprofit parent training and information center for families of children with disabilities. The nonprofit’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and expand opportunities for children, youth and young adults with all disabilities so each person can reach his or her highest potential.
The purpose of “National Bullying Prevention Month” is to unite people across the country to take action at the local level to prevent bullying - - and promote kindness, acceptance and inclusion - - in schools, communities and online. On October 4, Upper Elementary School Principal Mr. Polera and Upper Elementary School Guidance Counselor Mr. Lampert introduced “National Bullying Prevention Month” to the third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades during their lunch periods, with a special focus on “tolerance.”
“Every month throughout the school year has a special ‘superhero’ theme that encourages students to act like a superhero instead of a villain,” Mr. Polera said. “October’s theme is tolerance.”
As part of the introduction to “National Bullying Prevention Month,” each student was given a bookmark with a pledge to “Be a Kid Against Bullying” that could be signed. Students were also encouraged to participate in the Upper Elementary School “Fall Reading Challenge.” The challenge asks students to read at least 1,000 minutes at home between October 7 and December 20.
During the challenge, participating students must submit a log signed by a parent/guardian to their classroom teacher at the end of every week noting the amount of time they read at home and the title of the book(s). Students who do so, will receive raffle tickets to enter a grand prize drawing. The grand prize will be announced at a later date. Other prizes will include lunch with Mr. Polera and merchandise from the school bookstore, “The Dog House.”
The Upper Elementary School’s students and staff will conclude their celebration of “National Bullying Prevention Month” by wearing orange for “Unity Day” on October 24. A grades K-6 assembly featuring Tom Varano and his presentation, “Emotion into Art,” will take place on November 6.