ASHTABULA —
Orange balloons drifted above the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center Friday afternoon as Building Bridge’s 77 students sent an anti-bullying message to the world.
The launch was part of a day-long emphasis on the problem, which is receiving a great deal of attention in public schools this year.
Pam Bradek, an Ashtabula City Police resource officer assigned to the school, coordinated the events and speakers. Presentations included a review of bullying and victim’s testimony.
“That seemed to have a major impact on the students,” Bradek said of the speaker known only as “Greg.”
Lunch — a hot dog roast with side dishes provided by school staff — was followed by outdoor activities, including games, an inflated castle, face painting, air-brush art and mini-masages. Richmond Auto Body brought several monster trucks and classic cars for the youngsters to explore and be inspired by.
“We wanted to show them that there are trades they can do without having to go to college,” Bradek said.
The event was made possible through donations from many businesses.
“We had a huge turnout of sponsors, people from all over,” Bradek said. “We took that money and opened a school resource officer account through the Fraternal Order of Police.”
Building Bridges is a countywide, K-12 school operated under the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center.
“It is a place where certain students with unusual requirements can come and get a solid education and the counseling they need to be successful in a mainstream school,” said Principal Tim Essig.
He said about 14 of this year’s students will move out of the program and into their home district buildings next school year. About a dozen students have graduated from the program. Essig said these are youngsters who otherwise probably would not have completed their education.
Some of the students have aggressive tendencies, and Essig said the event helped remind the entire student body of the importance of respecting others.
“Every school needs an anti-bullying event for awareness,” Essig said.
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CARL E. FEATHER/ Star Beacon STUDENTS AT the Building Bridges program on State Road held a balloon launch to mark their anti-bullying emphasis.
Discussion
Building Bridges students draw attention to bullying problem with launch
Orange balloons send anti-bullying message
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