St. Joseph’s Holds Anti-Bullying Workshops

On Friday, March 1, Saint Joseph School in Medford, MA presented two fun filled, interactive workshops for students in grades 5-6 and 7-8. By performing a series of sketches and using humor to connect with the young audience, ImprovBoston addressed a very serious topic. Bullying!

The students sat around the stage in the school cafeteria as ImprovBoston entertained, educated and allowed students to critique and comment as they acted out some serious situations. Students were encouraged to use respect, understanding and sensitivities to gain further insight of the emotions that may be associated with both sides of bullying. The actors allowed the children to make suggestions and comments to reshape the scene of the sketches. There was a lot of fun, laughter and clapping as the spontaneous exercises took place, but by no means was the topic taken lightly. Tone of voice, body language and the power of words were emphasized as well as the long term effects of cyber-bullying.

This anti-bullying program was more than your typical list of do’s and don’ts. Students eagerly volunteered, offered solutions, and expressed their empathy, ideas and feelings. The goal of this assembly was clear….Teach children how to effectively problem solve real life situations with an emphasis on safety.
The overall message…”Each one of us has the power to do something. Sometimes our positive actions may even save a life.”

Saint Joseph School in Medford, MA takes a proactive approach of making education fun by continuing to offering many enrichment programs and field trips of a cultural, civic, social and artistic nature.

– Information and photos from Cheryl Pendenza, Co-Chair Saint Joseph School Enrichment Committee