By Laura Lane
Recently presented to students in their classrooms, it is now in full swing at the school. BRAVE not only teaches students to become leaders using a non-confrontational approach, but it also assimilates character education into students' daily lives.
"This program is not just lectures on what bullying is; it is a program that provides kids with concrete strategies, which they practice through role playing," Merrick Avenue principal Caryn Frange said. "I think kids are grateful to get the strategies."
BRAVE encourages students to distract the bully by shifting the focus away from the victim, empowers them by teaching them to stand up to the bully and brings the message to children that they should get help when needed.
"We grew up either fighting, taking sides or doing nothing," Debbie Foy, a parent of three boys. said. "Now they are encouraging the kids to distract the bully and more preventative ways to solve the problem. I've gone to a lot of parenting seminars and haven't heard this. It's definitely a different approach for the kids."
The committee in charge of the bully-reduction, anti-violence program comprises the middle-school social worker, psychologist and
guidance counselors. Along with Frange, all attended a four-day training at Long Island Jewish hospital, where they learned through hands-on experiences about the concepts, materials and strategies to make the program a success. Merrick Middle School is one of the pilot schools for the program.
"Often kids are in situations and don't know what to do," school psychologist Kristin Bogenshutz said. "We will empower them with strategies, like to distract the bully or offer kindness to the victim. This is working. Kids are coming to adults to talk about things that are making them uncomfortable."
BRAVE also includes parents in the configuration. Over 50 parents came to last year's introductory seminar. At this year's recent PTA meeting, parents asked about the program's status.
"We're not just changing the mindset of a child but parents too," guidance counselor Tammy Terc said. "We were brought up with, 'Don't tattletale,' but this is no longer the appropriate message to send to
children."
The committee members are introducing the four-part program to middle-school students in their health, art and writing and enrichment classes. This is then followed up with activities based on the particular lesson taught. For example, seventh-graders in art
have been making posters, and in health, they have been role-playing after studying a cartoon to determine whether the characters are guilty of bullying, and to what degree. All students have the core values, strategies and techniques in their daily planner, which they carry with them throughout the day.
"We want to build this into the school culture," Frange said. "And we are teaching them community," guidance counselor Kathryn McKenny added. "Everyone needs to take action in their community, and they need to know this is not something they don't have control
over. This will empower them on the outside."
The popular Brave New World of Difference Club enables students to go even further with what they have learned in BRAVE. As members of the World of Difference Club, last year 25 students were chosen to
attend a training session with the Anti-Defamation League. They went into chorus and band to share their message. This year, the program has changed slightly to include the BRAVE program, satisfying students' desire to do community service with younger students. And the club is open to the entire student body.
Eighth-grader Jeff Brancato was a member of the World of Difference Club last year and is the president of the newly formed club this year.
"I learned a lot of things last year. Being sheltered here in Merrick, I never knew about hate like bigotry and was shocked about homelessness on Long Island," Brancato said. "I think the BRAVE program will be great in school because I see bullying all the time. Maybe kids like me will be able to speak up and stop it before it happens."
Foy said she has seen the many fliers for the program posted in the school. She added that BRAVE was in place last year, before three Mepham High School football players were accussed of sexually assaulting younger teammates. She, however, believes people think the BRAVE program was started in response to the tragedy.
"The BRAVE program makes it easier for kids to know what is right and wrong," Foy said. "Everyone assumes the program is coming from what happened at the high school. My son thought that. But this was in place last year."
Committee members say they are seeing a change already in students. Many have heard students use one of the BRAVE program's key phrases -- "Take responsibility."
"Kids are becoming more aware and the relationship with adults is changing," Frange said. "I see the trust level and children's ability to reach out changing too."
