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Sometimes the most powerful messages come from the youngest voices in our community. This October, more than 500 Colorado County students are using their creativity to deliver one important message: Bullying has no place in our schools or our communities.
In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, the Colorado County Wellness Council dedicated its October meeting to an issue that touches the lives of students, families, and educators throughout the county.
The meeting brought together representatives from three local school districts to discuss bullying prevention, school safety, and the importance of working together to create environments where every child feels safe, respected, and valued.
Featured speakers included Dr. Chris Carpenter, Superintendent of Columbus ISD; Josh Chollett, Agriculture Science Teacher and School Safety Committee Member for Rice ISD; and Lindsey Fisbeck, School Counselor for Weimar ISD.
Each representat ive shared valuable information about their respective school district’s policies and procedures for addressing bullying, including how incidents are reported, investigated, and handled. The discussion also highlighted David’s Law, Texas legislation enacted in 2017 that strengthened school policies and protections related to bullying and cyberbullying. The law emphasizes the responsibility of school districts to establish clear procedures for reporting and responding to bullying while promoting safer learning environments.
Although each school district has its own policies and procedures, the representatives shared a common commitment: protecting students and creating school cultures built on respect, kindness, and accountability.
The meeting reinforced an important truth. Bullying prevention cannot rest on the shoulders of educators alone. It takes parents who listen, teachers who recognize warning signs, students who speak up, and communities willing to stand together. By bringing these school leaders to the table, the Wellness Council helped encourage greater awareness, open communication, and a united approach to protecting the emotional and social well-being of Colorado County’s children.
MORE THAN 500 YOUNG VOICES DELIVER A POWERFUL MESSAGE The October meeting also helped launch one of the Wellness Council’s most meaningful community initiatives, the Stop Bullying Art Contest, which has received an extraordinary response from area students.
More than 500 students, representing kindergarten through 12th grade, have submitted artwork expressing messages of kindness, acceptance, friendship, respect, and standing up against bullying.
That remarkable level of participation speaks volumes about the willingness of our young people to be part of the solution. Behind every drawing, painting, and creative expression is a student who has taken time to think about what bullying means and how their actions can make a difference.
A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF KINDNESS The Colorado County Wellness Council warmly invites families, educators, community leaders, and residents to attend the Stop Bullying Art Contest Awards Reception on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Live Oak Art Center, 1014 Milam St., Columbus.
The evening will celebrate the creativity and thoughtful messages of participating students while recognizing contest award recipients. The reception offers an opportunity for the community to come together, support local students, and reinforce the importance of kindness and respect.
