WCMS students participate in anti-bullying program

White County Middle School students recently participated in an assembly focused on changing attitudes toward bullying. During the interactive assembly, students discussed attitudes toward bullying and, through group activities and self-reflection, examined their attitudes and challenged each other to change school climate.

The event was hosted by MOVE2STAND, an interactive youth experiential learning program. This is the second year White County students have participated in the program. M2S has hosted summits and trainings in 17 Tennessee counties.

“MOVE2STAND is impacting students at every level,” Family Resource Center Director Beverly Dronebarger said. “They are learning the power of their words and actions, in turn creating a safer school environment by empowering students to take a stand against bullying.”

The same organization presented to faculty and staff during this year’s district-wide professional development training. According to their website, M2S provides school staff, administrators, coaches, and counselors with the resources and knowledge to implement best practices in bullying prevention to positively impact their school climate.

A group of high school students were also trained in the M2S program and will be facilitating the program to fourth and fifth graders throughout the county.

“White County High School students are given the opportunity to lead by example at the high school, in our elementary schools, and at middle school,” Dronebarger said.

According to M2S, 76 percent of students reported that after participating in the program, they believe they can stop bullying in their school. 79 percent of students said they learned new tools to help stop bullying, and 80 percent of students reported that M2S changed the way they think about bullying and harassment.