Albany School of Humanities students are taking the lead in bullying prevention through a new program that combines media production, student leadership, and cultural education.
Supported through an Albany County Improvement Initiative Grant, the program guided students to create an anti-bullying public service announcement, develop a student-run morning news program and explore cultural understanding through food-based learning experiences.
In June, grade 5students worked alongside a filmmaker, educator and anti-bullying advocate to explore the dynamics of bullying, discuss the difference between conflict and bullying behaviors and develop scripts focused on friendship, leadership, character and inclusion. The students directed, filmed, and starred in the videos they created.
“Rather than simply hearing messages about bullying, students are creating those messages themselves,” said Principal Marie Culihan.
“They are identifying real challenges, developing solutions and using media to positively influence their peers and school community.”
View the videos:
The initiative also included a Cultural Culinary Curriculum which uses food as a gateway to explore heritage, migration, family history and belonging and also encouraged students to learn about cultures beyond their own while fostering empathy, respect and understanding.