Bullying survivor coming to PIMS
Jodee Blanco
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Whether it be through words or actions, bullying is becoming all too common in schools, and SAD 1 is teaming up with New York Times bestselling author and expert Jodee Blanco to take a stand.
Blanco, a bullying survivor, expert and activist, is one of the country’s leading voices on the subject of school bullying. She is the author of “Please Stop Laughing At Me … One Woman’s Inspirational Story” and the award-winning sequel, “Please Stop Laughing at Us … One Survivor’s Extraordinary Quest to Prevent School Bullying.”
Blanco will hold a free, 90-minute family seminar and workshop Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Presque Isle Middle School auditorium.
“Jodee travels to schools all over the nation to do her talks which basically chronicles her life as an outcast in school and gives personal stories of what she went through and endured, and how she came out on the other side of it and became successful,” said Allison Reed, PIMS social worker.
“I saw her speak at a relational aggression conference in Florida back in 2008, and since then I have been advocating to have her come to our district,” she said. “We have reached out to community organizations to assist with the funding, and we finally have the ability to bring her to our district.”
Blanco’s community program will include her story of struggle as the target of severe school bullying, as well as what her parents and teachers did that helped; what didn’t and why; and insights from the thousands of students she has worked with across the nation.
In addition, she will offer specific, practical advice for parents on how to intervene if their child is the victim, bully or bystander, from the rare point of view of someone who’s lived through it, as well as insights into the plight of the “adult survivor of peer abuse” and suggestions on how to overcome those open wounds from the past.
Earlier in the day, Blanco will hold presentations for the student body at PIMS, as well as an assembly at Presque Isle High School. A teacher workshop will also be held that afternoon.
“Bullying is becoming an epidemic across our nation, and Jodee’s message is that it’s not just a school issue; it’s a community issue and we need to rally together to start to make an impact not only in the school but outside the school,” said Reed. “Today’s kids are using technology to bully others … things like Facebook, text messages and e-mail. This is not just happening in schools face-to face; it’s happening at home and in the community, so we need to have the community present so they can hear Jodee’s message and we can all work together.”
Following the presentation, Blanco will sign copies of her books that will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Reed at 764-4474 or e-mail reeda@sad1.org.
