October is National Bullying Prevention Month and Harris County Department of Education will join schools and communities across the nation to raise awareness and support bullying prevention.

Bullying Prevention Month was initiated by PACER’s National Bullying Center in 2006 and has since grown to an entire month of education and awareness activities recognized by schools and communities throughout the world.

There are many ways schools and community members can get involved this October for the 10-year anniversary of National Bullying Prevention Month:

-Celebrate Unity Day: Students, teachers and community members will wear orange and send a united message of support on Unity Day, Wednesday, Oct. 19.

-Hold events and activities: Schools and communities around the country recognize National Bullying Prevention Month through creative events and initiatives. If you would like to hold your own event, there are many resources available at www.PACER.org/Bullying.

-Participate in the You’re Not Alone campaign: New this year, the You’re Not Alone campaign provides resources and education on ways communities can show they are united against bullying, including classroom and event toolkits.

Getting involved and supporting National Bullying Prevention Month can help create safe, supportive schools and communities for our students. For more information and resources, visit www.PACER.org/Bullying.

 About the Blogger:
Ecomet Burley, a 26-year administrator, is the new leader of the Center for Safe and Secure Schools, http://www.safeandsecureschools.org. Established in 1999, the Center provides school safety and security training for school districts in greater Harris County. Burley, the former superintendent of La Marque ISD, resides in Pearland with wife Frances, an elementary school principal. Education, Burley insists, is the primary and native language spoken in their home.