By Julianne Szabo, School Counselor.

The students and staff of J. L. Bowler Elementary School participated this past week in the “Week of Respect” activities to learn how to become upstanders against bullying at our school. “Creating a safe and respectful learning environment is the key to raising student achievement and test scores.  Students have the right to feel safe and protected at their schools,” said Julianne Szabo, school counselor.

J. L. Bowler Student Council members having fun showing the respect banner. From left are Trey H., Wyatt L., Isaiah F., Sam W., and Mattysin E.  Submitted photo.

J. L. Bowler Student Council members having fun showing the respect banner. From left are Trey H., Wyatt L., Isaiah F., Sam W., and Mattysin E. Submitted photo.

To create such an environment, the Clark County School District and its schools are dedicated to eliminating bullying and cyberbullying. CCSD’s administrators and counselors are trained to discuss it, report it, and stop it.  CCSD’s schools strive to create a culture of respect.

On Monday the kick-off for the “Week of Respect” included an assembly “Flash Mob” using a song that had the word ‘Respect’ organized by the music teacher, Ms. Cathy McCann and second grade teacher, Mrs. Britney Skinner. The principal, Mr. Jenkins, and his staff performed their pledge to support this week. The students thoroughly enjoyed watching the staff dance and sing their talents.

Throughout the entire week daily morning announcements included ‘Respect’ quotes and sayings so everyone could start their day with positive thoughts.  Daily classroom lessons were also provided to teachers.

On Tuesday, declared ‘Respect Yourself Day’ all the students submitted their “Pledge to be an Upstander” at the ccsd.net/upstander website.  During the weekly computer time in the school’s labs, each student went on this website to show the school-wide commitment to become “Upstanders” at Bowler Elementary.

On Wednesday, “Respect Each Other Day”, the Art teacher, Mrs. Sara O’Neal, had the entire school student body create a “Hall of Respect” banner which was signed by everyone.  This banner is displayed in the main hallway when you enter the school, so visitors should check it out the next time they come to the campus.

Respect fence banner. Submitted photo.

Respect fence banner. Submitted photo.

On Thursday, all the students demonstrated their “Respect for School” day by writing a respectful act on a red plastic cup so the fence banner on the side of the school could be created.  The banner is intended to be enjoyed by the local community to show respect for their contributions to the school throughout the year.  Positive Comment School grams were also written by students to other students, teachers, and other staff members and were delivered by the school student council, directed by Mrs. Kelle Sudweeks.

On Friday, all students and staff members were encouraged to wear the color blue to “Get Your Blue On” to promote the final culminating activity for the week. “It was a great day since our school colors are blue and white so the students showed their “Week of Respect” commitment along with their school pride of being ‘Bighorns.’” Mrs. Szabo observed.

If you are in the community, the Bowler Bighorns encourage you to drive by and see their wonderful “Respect” banner on the school fence. It’s a beauty. Thanks again to the staff and students of J.L. Bowler for making the “Week of Respect” a success!