Med Valley FCCLA tackles verbal bullying

Colton Aspenleiter, from left, Josh Leas and Shawn Welch work to stop verbal bullying and the use of the "R" word.

CURTIS, Nebraska -- This year at Medicine Valley High School in Curtis the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) chapter is setting the focus of their chapter service project on stopping verbal bullying and ending the "R" word (retard). They want to show the students the effects this problem has and has had in schools and the community.

To help take charge and lead the project, Colton Aspenleiter, Josh Leas, and Shawn Welch have taken the task on as their STAR project.

To start the project off they began by teaching classes to the 9th -12th grade students. The classes informed the students on what bullying is, how many different types of bullying there are, and what the students can do in helping to stop the problem.

During the months of February and March the classes were taught and activities were held and the eyes of the students at Medicine Valley were opened.

A "Blue Out" was also held to help give meaning and strength to the project and teaching efforts. During the blue out students were encouraged to dress in blue and go crazy for helping stop the "R" word. The color blue is the symbol for those with special disabilities. Games were played and prizes were awarded. Also being held this week is Bully Free Week. This week is a week of no putdowns or bullying of any sort. Tuesday marked the day of the students Pledge Day. Students made pledges to not say the "R" word and eliminate any putdowns for the week. Colton, Josh, and Shawn will be presenting their project at the FCCLA state Leadership Conference in Lincoln on April 2.