Instead of heading to their first class yesterday to learn arithmetic or reading skills, Fitzgerald School students picked up valuable lessons on identifying types of bullying, and the difference between "tattling" and "good telling," said Superintendent Peter Azar.
"It went very well. Kids learned what the major types of bullying are: Dirty looks, cyberbullying" and making threats for example, Azar said.
The anti-bullying effort follows police filing of charges earlier this month against an 11-year-old Fitzgerald girl for allegedly assaulting students with her foot, a locker door and scissors.
The entire school participated in the presentation and role-playing, which was followed by classroom discussions during which students could talk freely about bullying incidents in a program called Open Circle, said Principal Alice Shull.
Students shared experiences, and teachers explained what to do in various situations, Azar said.
"Students were very attentive and involved in the conversations. They talked about situations they had been in and seen," Azar said.
"Did they find comfort in that? I think so," he said.
A big issue for kids in this arena is knowing how to distinguish "tattle taling" with "good telling," he said.
Staff reiterated that "a good tell" is reporting information to protect one's self or others, Azar said.
Shull called yesterday's all-school gathering proactive and said the Open Circle talks were "very positive."
"I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from teachers. The students were very interested, they were incredibly attentive," Shull said.
"I think (the result) was, number one, they've been assured and reassured that safety is first and foremost at Fitzgerald. Also, they know it's important for them to talk with adults if they have concerns and know we are their advocates, and that means parents and staff," Shull said.
City officials, such as City Councilor Tom Curtin and Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, have criticized Shull for dismissing reports of bullying from students and parents in the incident that resulted in criminal charges against the 11-year-old girl.
Shull yesterday said "there was immediate follow-up by the school" in that situation.
She said the school will offer more relevant activities for students in the coming weeks, and administrators are creating an anti-bullying plan.
Joyce Kelly can be reached at 781-398-8005 or jkelly@cnc.com.
