LEADERSHIP TAUGHT AS A WAY TO STOP BULLYING
By Dan Newman, Staff Writer
For so many young people, being bullied and taunted has almost become commonplace in school, as the way a person dresses or speaks can become fodder for others who want to feel superior. On Oct. 25, students at Fairview Elementary School got a lesson in how to do just the opposite - how to be a leader and how to potentially resolve a conflict.
"Stand Up and Lead: Teaching Our Students To Be Peacemakers" was brought to the school by George Anthony and Lindy Crescitelli of Peace Dynamics Consultants. The duo has presented their program in districts throughout the state. Crescitelli said no matter where they go, whether it's an urban or bucolic environment, kids can learn these skills.
"Our main purpose every place we go is to give kids the necessary skills that they can utilize in an everyday situation," Crescitelli said. "Every kid can be a bully or a victim. The key to our whole program is reinforcement and letting them know what to do, and how to do the right things."
Anthony, in his sixth year of doing the program, explained that while the program is designed for all kids ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade, there are certain facets that are tailor-made for each age level. The pair also wanted kids to learn simple life lessons they may not have thought about prior to watching the program.
Anthony told the assembled group, "Everyone in this room can be a leader. And if you do walk away from a fight, you're still left with a problem. We want you to know what to do and how to solve the problem."
Crescitelli and Anthony explained that talking things out is always the best way. "Using the word 'I' instead of 'you' is a smart move," Anthony explained. "Instead of blaming the other person, you take on the responsibility yourself." 
