Trenton Schools Wrap Up Week-Long Assault on Bullying

Students and staff members at Trenton Public Schools are wrapping up a week-long assault on bullying called Black Out Bullying.

Students at Trenton High School, Arthurs Middle School and Hedke and Anderson elementary schools began learning about strategies and techniques of identifying and preventing bullying on Jan. 14.

Under the guidance of the district's Anti-Bullying Committee--consisting of selected counselors, social workers and teachers--students were made aware of  tragedies allegedly caused by bullying, according to Trenton High School Counselor Angela Siggia.

"There have been instances where bullying was the root of the cause of self-harm, drug use, shootings, suicides, and deep hurt," Siggia said.

Siggia said the district's goal "is to stop bullying within district schools and keep it from causing yet another horrific event."

"This initiative began when every school in Michigan was forced to update their anti-bullying policy due to Matt's Law," Siggia said. "After we changed our policy, I took on the responsibility of creating a sub-committee to combat bullying at the district level."

Siggia said having the event last a week helped the district show its commitment to be proactive in its approach to bullying.  

"Bullying is everywhere, in every school, business, workplace and across our nation," Siggia said.

Students attended assemblies and participated in several anti-bullying activities throughout the week.

The Trenton Educational Foundation and the Trenton Rotary Club funded the entire week and the initiative came at no cost to the district.

"We also hope that we can eventually work with neighbouring districts to make this program accessible for all kids," Siggia said.

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