Staff report

Georgetown Middle School announced to students Friday that it is starting a new school-wide anti-bullying initiative.

The program, called Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, is set up to address bullying issues in schools as well as at home and in the community year-round.

GMS teachers as well as all other faculty underwent training to learn how to handle bullying in school.

“It’s an overall change in the way that things are going to be done,” said Heidi Marsh, president of GMS Parent Teacher Student Organization who also received training.

Every Friday, GMS will be on an adjusted schedule to allow classes to meet as part of the program and talk about bullying issues, such as what actually constitutes bullying and what doesn’t.

“The program is also to help engage bystanders,” Marsh said.

So far, four businesses in the community have agreed to participate in the program by acting as “safe zones,” or spaces where kids can go if they are being bullied out in the community.

GMS parents can find out more information by attending a meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24 at GMS. A chili/soup cook-off will kick the meeting off from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. and the informational meeting will follow.