English honored for anti-bullying efforts

LYNN – Lynn English High School student Magnelis Rumardo knows what it is like to be bullied.?I was too scared to say anything about it,” Rumardo said during a recent interview.That?s why when Rumardo entered high school, she wanted to help put an end to bullying.?I wanted to help people feel welcome here,” Rumardo said during a recent interview at the school.Lynn English High School received an award at Wednesday?s Stand Up 2011 Conference at Northeastern University?s Matthews Arena for their innovative programs to stop bullying.?We really work with the kids to set a positive climate in the school,” Peer Mediation/Mentoring Coordinator Ginny Keenan said. “We want to make it so that everyone is accepted and the bullies are the ones that don?t fit in.”One of those programs practiced in the peer mediation program is where students help mediate disputes between other students.Conflicts, which can be in the form of threats, arguments or even just rumors, are referred to the program by vice principals, guidance counselors and teachers, with half of the referrals coming directly from students asking for help with their conflicts.Melissa Campbell is one of the peer mediators. “It is a cool way to get connected,” Campbell said. “It?s nice to promote peace.”Campbell admits that in high school there will always be drama.?Not everyone is going to get along. However, this helps kids find common ground. They may not be best friends afterward, but at least they will stop talking about each other.”Sarah Cowdell, another student, agreed. “It is a great feeling to help someone,” she said.Cowdell is a peer mediator along with being a Marshall Middle School mentor.?I wanted to give back to a community that has given me so much these past 17 years,” Cowdell said. “They have helped me so much.The Marshall Middle School mentoring program is designed to help eighth-graders prepare for their transition to high school.LEHS students, working in teams of two, meet with small groups of eighth-graders twice a month to address their questions and concerns on topics ranging from dress codes and class sizes to bullying and discipline. Mentors conduct workshops on a variety of topics, including conflict resolution, friendship skills, bullying and stereotyping.Cowdell has seen a change in the eighth-graders she works with.?For the first year ? they seemed really reserved around us,” Cowdell said. “Now, they look forward to us coming there and ask about us.”?You make such positive connections doing this,” mentor Joshua Michel added. “It also sets a positive example for the younger kids. When I went to high school, I was really worried. I wish there was something like this when I was their age.”Most agree that there is a friendly atmosphere in the halls of Lynn English. “I don?t know one teacher who wouldn?t do anything if they saw bullying. I can?t picture who wouldn?t do something,” Ashley Belair, another student, said.Sara Brown can be reached at [email protected].