Paddock School takes aim against bullying
Bullies can be ruthless, their actions devastating.
Stuart R. Paddock School in Palatine decided to address the ever-present issue by recognizing Bully Prevention Awareness Week, which runs through Saturday, Oct. 11.
Mayor Rita Mullins, state Rep. Suzie Bassi and state Sen. Matt Murphy attended an assembly on Monday to present a proclamation and show their support.
Nationally renowned anti-bullying advocate Gabrielle Ford also spoke to students about her experiences as a victim. She suffers from a rare genetic neuromuscular disease called Friedreich's ataxia. In high school, bullies kicked her unsteady legs, knocked books from her arms because she couldn't bend over and slammed her locker shut since it was difficult to work the combination lock. She brings along sidekick Izzy, a coonhound who also has a rare muscle disease. They've appeared together on Animal Planet and The Today Show.
"Her speaking seemed to make an impact on the kids because they saw how it made her ashamed and depressed," said Paddock PTA President Jennifer DeFranco, the campaign's organizer.
DeFranco took on the cause last year after she believed second-graders were beginning to form cliques. DeFranco said she got her Brownie troop to make posters and talk about bullying on the school's daily televised announcements.
"Kids go to school to learn," said DeFranco. "They shouldn't have to deal with bullying."
Paddock's ultimate goal is to implement a peer mediation program at school.
Parents were invited to hear Ford speak Wednesday night at Pleasant Hill School. She'll visit several other District 15 schools, many of which are putting on their own anti-bullying events.
A touch of class: Fremd High School's Symphony Orchestra can be heard from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 11, on fine arts and classical radio station WFMT (98.7 FM). The radio station puts on a weekly program, "Introductions," showcasing pre-collegiate soloists, bands, choirs and orchestras. The show will feature Fremd's April concert.
Palatine's 'Little Shop' is tops: USA Weekend magazine recently named Palatine High School's production of "Little Shop of Horrors" Illinois' best high school musical.
For those who don't know, the play centers around poor Seymour Krelborn, who buys an unusual plant with a taste for human blood. Hilarity ensues.
Rock the vote: Voters are expected to turn out in record numbers next month, and Harper College wants to make sure voters know which candidates measure up with their values. "Be Your Inner Guide to the Election" runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10. Tuition is $29.
Another fun election-related course, "Happy Days Are Here Again: Campaign Theme Songs," studies the evolution of campaign tunes. It runs 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17. Tuition is $19.
Both classes are open to the public. To sign up, call (847) 925-6300 or visit harpercollege.edu.
kpohl@dailyherald.com