Kankakee, IL – October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Schools and organizations team up nationwide to bring awareness to the significance of bullying, as well as, finding solutions to an issue that impacts children and teens of all ages. According to the National Bullying Prevention Center, one out of every five students reported being bullied. Majority of bullying takes place in middle school aged students.

The City of Kankakee partnered with Kankakee Trinity Academy students from kindergarten through fifth grade to take on a project creating posters that stand up to bullying. Six classes participated in a poster contest that gave students the opportunity to show great teamwork and support. Teachers incorporated lessons on kindness and actively engaged the students in discussions on paying it forward.

“This partnership with the City of Kankakee for National Bullying Prevention Month encouraged us to open up a conversation in each of our classrooms. Our teachers used this opportunity to remind our students that God’s Word instructs us on how to speak to each other. Ephesians 4:29 says, ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.’ Our students thoughtfully created beautiful posters that seemed to have an overall theme of ‘Be kind and compassionate,’ as Ephesians 4:32 teaches. Kankakee Trinity Academy is thankful for this occasion to partner with the Mayor’s office in encouraging our students and community to build each other up with love,” said Vice-Principal Andrea Trivino.

Today, Mayor Wells-Armstrong visited the school for an assembly to wrap up the City’s National Bullying Prevention Month campaign with several students who said they were excited to meet the Mayor. Mayor Wells-Armstrong spoke about the importance of spreading kindness and becoming a leader in helping others.  

“It is important to teach youth at a young age how to be positive, brave and to appropriately manage their feelings. I appreciate the partnership between the City of Kankakee and Kankakee Trinity Academy. The teachers and students did a great job working on this project which further increases my belief that there is hope and compassion in our future generations,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

Teachers voted on one poster from each classroom in the National Bullying Prevention contest. The winners are as follows:

1. Mrs. Farrell’s kindergarten class: Colton Bertram
2. Mrs. Prestinario’s first grade class: Makayla Pacholski and Blessing Achonwa
3. Mrs. Jorgensen’s second grade class: Nola Clyden
4. Mrs. Eaton’s third grade class: Bailey Stewart
5. Mrs. Parkison’s fourth grade class: Haley Grimes and Macey Monacelli
6. Mrs. Marcukaitis’s fifth grade class: Natalie Sneed

 

# # #

The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant, and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow, and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive, and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

  

 

Download the Press Release