Giraffe Spots to Show Anti-Bullying Efforts

A large giraffe painted on the wall at the entrance to Buker Elementary School will show the school's progress to combat bullying - and focus on helpful and respectful behavior when students "stick out their neck."

On Wednesday, students at the Wenham school were encouraged to "stick out their neck" like a giraffe.

"We're going to try to fill our giraffe with your names on spots for sticking out your neck to help others," Kathy Hughes, the school's adjustment counselor told all of the school's students that sat on the gym floor.

Students will be encouraged to "spot" behavior that shows students "sticking their neck out."

Teachers also acted out some common schooltime scenarios, showing students what it means to stick out their neck.

In one skit, one teacher sat along at a lunch table while another table of "students" enjoyed lunch together. They invited the lone student over to their lunch table.

In other skit, four teachers were playing a game of Four Square and another "student" looked on. They not only invited the student to play, but explained to how play, telling her about the rules and giving her tips.

The students also watched a musical version of the book "Giraffes Can't Dance" that tells the heart-warming story of a awkward-felling giraffe who is taught to dance by by his animal friends.

"We'd like you to help one of your friends learn to dance today, or write, or play Four Square," Hughes said afterward.

It is all part of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program that has been rolled out across Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District this year.