Stop, Walk and Talk

Regardless of our intentions, we all demonstrate behaviors of a bully, bystander or victim from time to time. That is why at Dryden, during Bully Prevention Month in October and throughout the school year, we practice and review the "Stop, Walk and Talk" strategy with all of our students and staff.

We encourage all of our students to assertively say "STOP" to someone who is saying or doing something mean or hurtful.

We remind all students that when someone tells you to "STOP", you have to stop what you are doing, take a deep breath and choose a different, appropriate behavior.

We encourage all of our students to "WALK" away if mean or hurtful behavior continues.

We encourage all of our students to "TALK" to a teacher or staff member if mean or hurtful behavior continues after walking away.

We help our students understand the difference between "talking" and "tattling" by explaining that talking is when you are seeking help to solve a problem and that tattling is when you are trying to get the other person in trouble.

We practice the "Stop, Walk and Talk" strategy in different, age-appropriate scenarios where students may face inappropriate remarks, gossip and cyberbullying.

I am so proud of how every student and staff member at Dryden plays an important and active role in preventing the cycle of bullying behavior from happening. It feels great to be part of a school where everyone can feel safe, accepted and respected!