COPPERAS COVE, Texas — Copperas Cove ISD kicked off their "Paint the School Orange" anti-bullying initiative and competition for the month of October as a group of faculty is set to judge the participating schools decorations, and creativity in spreading the message.
“Things that we’re implementing within the school and campaigns that we run like random acts of kindness, the great kindness challenge and just opportunities to build communities within the schools has been really helpful," said Copperas Cove ISD Behavioral Support Services Director Amy Simpson.
Simpson said the modern age of bullying can happen both in person and online and is hoping the campaign will empower students to reach out for help, and help others in instances of bullying. No matter the medium with which it's occurring.
The decorations include signs saying "boo to bullying" in honor of Halloween, or that bullying is "candy corny." Fun, and creative, Simpson said, but with a powerful message.
"I love to see the students really contributing to this initiative because I think if they can internalize what they're seeing, then that's what's going to make the change for them," Simpson said.
Simpson said the district has already implemented an anonymous reporting system for bullying and harassment instances that allows students to "include screenshots" if bullying occurred over the phone or online.
"It's a safe place where they feel they can talk about that," Simpson said.
Simpson said the participation at all of the CCISD campuses is encouraging and she hopes the campaign will make a difference and empower children across the district to stand up for themselves, and others.
She'll be headed to the eight campuses across Cove Wednesday and judging the decorations and picking a winner. That school will receive a prize.
If you have any concern or evidence of bullying at a CCISD school, click here to go to the anonymous reporting portal.
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