Olweus kickoff

Bainbridge Elementary School recently had their Olweus Bullying Prevention Kick-Off Rally. North Putnam began the Olweus program during the 2010-11 school year. The program's goals are to reduce existing bullying problems among students, to prevent the development of new bullying problems and to achieve better peer relations at school. This year, the kick-off was started with spirit week activities and culminated with an all school convocation. Matt Lewis, a chalk artist, who incorporates a message to all students while using his artist talents, was on hand to relay the message that all students have hidden talents and that everyone is important. Students will have class meetings each week throughout the year to discuss issues linked to peer relations. Fifth grade students and teachers Mr. Lawrence, Mrs. Proctor and Mrs. Cook along with school counselor and Olweus Coordinator Mrs. Kirstie McClamroch, pose with Matt Lewis after his artistic presentation during the Olweus Kick-Off.