The Fund for Santa Barbara Youth Making Change recently awarded a $1,850 grant to Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley’s Youth Involvement Group hold bullying- and violence-prevention events at two local junior high schools.
“Despite the best efforts of local schools, students continue to report frequent bullying and harassment which can lead to tragic consequences,” said Samantha Yruegas, president of the Youth Involvement Group. “What makes the local bullying prevention program, called Respecting Me Respecting You, unique is that it will be a peer-to-peer model led by older students with adult support provided by staff from local schools, Fighting Back, and adult volunteers.”
The program will connect students of different backgrounds, and encourage them to step out of their comfort zones.
Respecting Me Respecting You will be held at two yet-to-be-identified local junior high or middle schools during April and May of 2012.
This week’s School Scene was compiled by Intern Jason Banania. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Mar 29 – Apr 5, 2012.