KILLEEN, Texas — In recognition of National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Month, Killeen Independent School District (ISD) is taking steps to combat bullying through its inaugural "Unlock Kindness" events. Held at the Jackson Professional Learning Center, these gatherings aim to educate students, parents and teachers on the importance of kindness and community engagement in preventing bullying.
The event also included a parent forum called "Stop the Hurt," designed to illuminate the lasting effects of bullying and how families can take action.
Angenet Wilkerson, Director of District and Community Relations, emphasized the critical role of safety in schools. Wilkerson said, "Killeen ISD school safety is so important. We know that when students feel safe, they're learning. When teachers feel safe, they're learning. And when parents drop off their kids knowing they're going into a safe environment, they're happy. When schools are healthy, communities are healthy."
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The event featured interactive elements, including a hands-on escape room, where families learned how to navigate various bullying scenarios and foster positive behaviors. Wilkerson said this is the first year for the "Unlock Kindness" initiative, but the district hopes to make it an annual event.
For parents grappling with bullying at home, Wilkerson advised open communication with their children. Killeen ISD is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students, and events like "Unlock Kindness" are key to building a healthier community.
For more insights on bullying prevention, viewers can tune into a special "Mom Squad" episode on the 6 Plus streaming app. The episode discusses common bullying scenarios and warning signs for parents to watch for.