R-III District taking creative approach to stop bullying
By Derrick ForsytheRecord Staff Writer
Posted 10/11/16
Addressing the topic of bullying has become a common routine in the public education setting, but administrators and counselors in the Warren County R-III School District decided to get creative with …
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R-III District taking creative approach to stop bullying
Posted
By Derrick ForsytheRecord Staff Writer
Addressing the topic of bullying has become a common routine in the public education setting, but administrators and counselors in the Warren County R-III School District decided to get creative with their latest approach.The issue of bullying became even more prominent last spring, when a Black Hawk Middle School student took her own life and concerns were raised about the impact of bullying.Since that time, R-III has ramped up efforts in being proactive toward bullying and demeaning behavior in the school setting.“The golden rule is treating people the way you want to be treated,” said Assistant Superintendent Aaron Jones. “We are constantly looking for new ways to get students’ attention and help them understand the negative impact bullying can have on themselves and their peers.”Using his unique platform as both a school administrator and haunted house proprietor, Dr. Justin Fears saw a prime opportunity to benefit the population he works with on a daily basis.While his career is serving as principal of the Alpha Academy for R-III, Fears is widely known for his role in owning and operating the Phobius Haunted Attraction in Wright City.Recently, Fears introduced the “Don’t Be a Monster” anti-bullying campaign to eastern Missouri schools as a partnership between Phobius and the National Haunted House Association.During October, which was Anti-Bullying Month, Fears and Phobius’ crew visited 10 area schools, including each of the elementary buildings in the R-III District.“We pitched the idea to all the schools along the Interstate 70 corridor from St. Charles to Montgomery County,” said Fears. “We were quickly booked with 10 programs, which is the maximum you are allowed to host during our first year.”The program is geared toward elementary and middle school-aged children. It includes video presentations and concludes with a visit from “Frank,” the mascot.“Frank is perceived as a monster on the outside, but delivers the message that everyone is the same on the inside and no one deserves to be talked down to or mistreated,” explained Fears.Fears said he has even bigger plans for Phobius’ involvement in the school setting, as the attraction will be allowed to host more assemblies in the coming years.“I thought the program went really well, and we had great feedback,” he said. “We want to try doing an anti-drug program too. I will be working with the organizers to create a short storybook and coloring book to go along with the assembly.”Jones says the formats through which bullying can take place are increasing with technology and social media, which means combating the issue becomes more complicated. He adds that many of the concerns the school addresses are for incidents that have taken place outside the walls of the school but find their way into the classroom afterward.“Any time we can bring a well put-together program that sends the message and gives kids a reminder and encouragement, we want to do that,” said Jones. “This is an issue that requires constant awareness and effort.”
Frank the friendly monster visited elementary schools in the Warren County R-III and Wright City R-II School Districts during October to help celebrate Anti-Bullying Month. He was part of a program hosted by Phobius Haunted Attraction to bring awareness to the topic of bullying and empower students to treat others with respect. Derrick Forsythe photo.
