Schedule for Straight Talk - Anti-Bullying Event - Thursday Evening

Schedule for the Evening

March 24^th

6:50 – 7:10 Refreshments

Visit local agency tables

PARENT PROGRAM --> In Middle School Dining Hall

7:10: Welcome & Introduction:

-Edward Hallisey, Putnam Valley Middle School Principal

7:15: Bullying 101

-Andrea Fallick, LCSW, CASAC,

Assistant Director for School Based Programs, Student Assistance Services

8:05: Panel of Experts:

-Adam Levy, Putnam County District Attorney

-Joseph DeMarzo, Putnam County Youth Bureau & Mental Health

-Aileen Napolitano, Probation Officer

-James Reitz, Putnam County Court Judge

-Deputy Richard Mansfield, Putnam Valley School Resource Officer

-Edward Hallisey, Putnam Valley Middle School Principal

-Michael Hanna, Putnam Valley Middle School Assistant Principal

Middle School Student Workshops

7:10 – 8:00 MS Student Workshop I

8:05 – 8:55 MS Student Workshop II

Select a workshop & enjoy!

(1) BFF, BFFA, BFFE - Friends Forever - What Does that Mean? Is It Possible?

Kristel Halton, LCSW, CPS Prevention Educator

Let us think outside the “BFF BOX”. What does it mean to be a good friend and how do I keep friends? Join us for a fun workshop on friendship and a chance to talk about how much friends make our life more wonderful and how sometimes it’s not easy being a good friend.

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things. ~Author Unknown

Location: Room 210 / Target Audience: All

(2) The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of Energy Drinks

The Truth About Energy Drinks
Elaine N. Santos, MA Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition Coordinator
Do you use energy drinks to stay awake or give yourself that extra boost? Join us for a hands-on presentation about the truth, including the potential dangers of consuming energy drinks. Learn healthier ways to be on your game and stay focused!

Location: Room 211 / Target Audience: All

(3) Matters of the heart! Meghan McCarthy, MPH, Community Educator/ Volunteer Coordinator Putnam Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center
Dating relationships will be the focus of this interactive workshop. Students will learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy behaviors that occur in dating relationships. They will walk away from this workshop better able to identify these characteristics in their own relationships.

Location: Room 212 / Target Audience: 7^th and 8^th graders

(4) Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Body Image, Self Image, and Healthy Eating.

Laura Mazzotta, LMSW, NYS licensed social worker with a private practice in Carmel

Learn to develop your own healthy style! Differences are all around us, in hair color, skin color, height, gender, and body type. Unfortunately, a lot of the messages we receive from the media, friends, and society tell us there is one right way to look, and that the way we look defines us. This workshop will help you learn to challenge these messages, practice good nutrition, and appreciate what makes you unique, inside and out!

Location: Room 213 / Target Audience: All

(5) Project Rewind…Nurses’ Network of America

Rachelle Riguard RN, BSN, Educational Consultant

Project Rewind engages the audience with original artwork that uses unique analogies related to the effects of alcohol. The dangers of alcohol are underscored with special emphasis on identifying friends who exhibit signs of alcohol toxicity. The steps for safe intervention are discussed and “first response” measures are stressed. The Project Rewind program has been successful at engaging teens in the important and dangerous topic of alcohol abuse.

Location: Room 214 / Target Audience: All

(6) The Blooey Project: The Issues of Name Calling and Bullying
PVHS GSA/ VOICES club
(Gay Straight Alliance / Voices of Individuals Creating Environments that are Safe)
In this workshop high school students from the Putnam Valley High School GSA/ VOICES club will lead an activity that examine issues of name calling and bullying. In this workshop, you'll get to meet "Blooey" and experience first hand how name calling and bullying have influenced him. Learn how you can take a stand and make a positive difference.

Location: Room 215 / Target Audience: All

What Kids, Teens and Young Adults Can Do

Be Smart Online and Texting

You can prevent cyberbullying by being careful of what you do:

• Always think about what you post or say. Do not share secrets, photos or anything that might be embarrassing to you or others. What seems funny or innocent at the time could be used against you. You do not have complete control over what others forward or post.
• Set privacy settings on your accounts. Make sure that you are only sharing information with people you know and trust. Pay attention to notices from social networks, because sometimes privacy settings change.

Make Cyberbullying Stop

If you or someone you know is being cyberbullied, know that it does not have to be this way. There things you can do to help you and your friends:

• Talk with someone you trust. Talking to someone could help you figure out the best ways to deal with the problem. Reach out to a family member, friend or another adult that you trust.
• Do not respond to cyberbullying. Sometimes people post or text teasing or name-calling to get a reaction. If someone has posted or sent a message that could be hurtful to others, refuse to pass it along or respond to it.
• Keep evidence of cyberbullying. Record the dates, times and descriptions of instances when cyberbullying has occurred. Save and print screenshots, e-mails, and text messages.
• Block the person who is cyberbullying you. Many websites and phone companies let you block people. Also, cyberbullying may violate the “Terms and Conditions” of these services. Consider contacting the service provider to file a complaint.
• Report the incident to your school. They may be able to help you resolve the cyberbullying or be watchful for face-to-face bullying.
• Ask for help. Sometimes, talking to a counselor or health professional can help you get through the emotional effects of bullying.

(source: http://www.stopbullying.gov)