HCPSSHCPSS Superintendent to Host Bullying Prevention Event, October 19
October 13th, 2017
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano will host a bullying prevention event on Thursday, October 19, at 10 a.m. in the media center at Atholton High School.
At the event, Martirano will introduce a new Public Service Announcement video featuring Christine McComas, parent of Grace McComas, a victim of cyberbullying and the inspiration for Grace’s Law. The video publicly reinforces a commitment from HCPSS to work alongside Mrs. McComas to rid schools and communities of destructive bullying behavior. Students from the Atholton High School Bully-Free Forever Club are hosting the event and will lead attendees in a powerful kindness activity.
Who:
- Howard County Public School System Interim Superintendent Michael Martirano
- Howard County Board of Education Chairman Cynthia Vaillancourt
- Howard County Parent Christine McComas
- Atholton High School Bully-Free Forever Club Representatives
- Atholton High School Principal JoAnn Hutchins
What: Bullying Prevention Event
When: Thursday, October 19, 10 a.m.– 11 a.m.
Where: Atholton High School, 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia
Background: According to data released in March 2017 by the Maryland State Department of Education, 4,713 statewide incidents of bullying were reported during the 2015–2016 school year—an increase of 559 incidents from the previous year.
Studies reflect the significant consequences that bullying has on the social and emotional wellbeing of its victims and the ways in which that can manifest itself into very dangerous results. This event will raise awareness of this issue and introduce new measures HCPSS is implementing to address bullying and behavioral health in its schools.