Gaston Elementary School BFF’s – Bully Free Friends

Josh Wick — Increscent Staff

Roy Chapman Students Initiative

All kids have heard the lessons: don’t be a bully. So it comes as no surprise the subject is rigorously taught to young children in the education system. However, this fall a unique project has arisen from the minds of BMHS Roy Chapman students Antonio Martinez and Itica Sanchez. Martinez said they were inspired to collaborate with SDB elementary schools based on “bad stuff in the community we see. We want the next generations to be more involved and aware.”

All first graders at Gaston Elementary are a part of the project, which involves the students creating the “BFF” (Bully-Free Friend) leaves on a community art tree which will be on display at the Beloit Public Library after its completion.

Inspiration for the collaboration came from the fall season, as Martinez and Sanchez chose a tree with warm and cool color “BFF” leaves because “we figured it would be easy for them to grasp”, said Sanchez. “We wanted a community tree, to symbolize bringing the community together.”

High Schoolers & Younger Kids Collaborate

When asked about how they felt the project would impact the community, the children involved all had positive sentiments. Stella Cafengiu, a student involved, said when bullies see this project, “they really just want attention, and if we’re nice, they will be, too.”

Deputie Douglas, another student participating, said he thought the bullies “need us to be nice and help them feel nicer so they’ll be somebody’s friend.”

The art project is not just about teaching young children about art and to avoid being a bully. Kathryn Buchanan, the Gaston Elementary teacher involved in planning the project with Martinez and Sanchez, said, “this collaboration is a great way to get high schoolers working with our younger kids,” helping to mentor the children and understand that “the children need to be bully-free friends, even in high school.”

Beloit Public Library Exhibit

In addition to helping raise public awareness of bullying and positive community initiatives, Buchanan firmly believes that “getting the artwork out into the community so the community sees what we are doing in schools is very important.”

The project took place on October 18 and October 20, and the community tree will be displayed at the Beloit Public Library during the end of October and early November.

The post Gaston Elementary School BFF’s – Bully Free Friends appeared first on School District of Beloit News.