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Bullies Beware: Independence Middle is Prepared

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Contributed by: Lisa Petroccia on 5/9/2008

During the month of April, students at Independence Middle School participated in a school-wide reading project showcasing the subject of bullying at the middle school level. The selected book, The Revealers, written by Doug Wilhelm, was chosen for its content, message, and relevance to the middle school student.

"Our media specialist approached us with the idea" said Richard Desormier, the Language Arts Department Chairperson, "She had attended a conference for media specialists (FAME) and was inspired to initiate a school-wide reading project and luckily, we had the DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time already built into our schedule."

Lisa Petroccia, the school's media specialist, spent several months coordinating the project and its many activities. First, she had to find funding for the project, as every student and teacher needed a copy of the book. " It did not take much convincing to get the funding and approval from administration for the school-wide reading initiative. They were very supportive and excited about the project." said Lisa Petroccia.

Two chapters were read daily to the students by teachers and broadcast through the in-house system. When Gabrielle Hernandez, baseball player for the Florida Marlins heard of the project, he volunteered to read as well as Channel 25 News Anchors Tiffany Kenney and John Shayman. Not to be out done, Dr. Art Johnson, Palm Beach County School Superintendent, read the last chapter of the book. "I was honored to be asked to read to our students," Dr. Johnson said. "Bullying is a serious subject. By educating our students on the harmful effects of bullying, we may prevent these things from happening."

Next, Mrs. Petroccia contacted Doug WIlhelm, the book's author, and invited him to speak to the students first hand. "It was so exciting to meet a real writer," said Harrissa Haliburton, eighth grader and avid reader at Independence Middle.

Mr. Wilhelm spent several hours with students and teachers, speaking of bullying, his experiences, and signing books. Students were also able to participate in a writing workshop in which the author hosted.

In addition to the writing workshop, a t-shirt design contest was held and judged by a group of teachers, administrators, and students. The t-shirt design contest was won by Mikayla Blaha. Her design was printed on t-shirts in which students purchased and wore on "Meet the Author Day."

At the conclusion of the project, Mrs. Petroccia stated, "The staff support for the school-wide reading initiative made it a success! If we empowered just one bully victim or if we changed the attitude of just one bully, then this has all been worth it."

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