Dear Topeka Parents,
October is recognized as National Bullying Prevention Month, and here at Topeka Drive Elementary, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment for all of our students. As part of this important month, we will be raising awareness about the effects of bullying and we’ll be promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
One of the highlights of the month is Unity Day, which will take place on Wednesday, October 16th! On this day, we encourage all students, staff, and volunteers to wear ORANGE to show that we stand together against bullying and that we are united for being kind to others, accepting our differences, and including others. It’s a powerful way to show solidarity and support for those who may have experienced bullying.
Throughout October, we will also be integrating lessons and discussions on how students can be upstanders, not bystanders, and create a community where everyone feels safe and respected. These activities are designed to empower students to speak out against bullying and reinforce the values of empathy and respect.
So let’s get started!
Please watch this very short 3 minute video that explains the ‘Anti-Bullying’ Campaign. I have asked teachers to share this with their students, but you are welcome to invite them to watch with you:
Unity Day - Wednesday, October 16, 2024 (pacer.org) (scroll down to click on video)
- Your student may already have an ORANGE Topeka shirt for their field trips – that’s a great option for them to wear on Unity Day! If you’d like to order an ORANGE Topeka shirt for your child, you can fill out the order form HERE and drop it off at the office. *Please keep in mind that the Topeka shirts are of limited quantity, so please submit your order as soon as possible.*
- You can also order an ORANGE Unity Day shirt directly from the organization at Unity Day T-shirts: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/shop/unityday-shirt.asp. Please place your order by October 6th to make sure it arrives in time for Unity Day.
- There are also options on Amazon HERE.
*If you don’t have an ORANGE shirt for your student, that’s okay! You can have them wear a ribbon, a pin, a hat, a bracelet, orange nail polish, orange hair tie, orange socks, anything you can think of!
We encourage you to talk with your children about the importance of these values and how we can all work together to create a bully-free environment. Your support and involvement are crucial in reinforcing these messages at home.
If you have any questions or would like more information on how you can participate in Anti-Bullying Month, please feel free to reach out!
Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a positive and supportive school community. 😊
In Unity,
Mrs. M – your PSW
Michelle Mehrabian, LCSW
Psychiatric Social Worker (PSW)
Topeka Charter Elementary School for Advanced Studies (Monday – Friday)
[email protected]
School Mental Health | Student Mental Health and Wellness Services Branch
For additional mental health resources and support, please visit the School Mental Health website and/or call the LAUSD Student and Family Wellness Hotline, available weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm at (213) 241-3840. If you need immediate mental health assistance, please call or text 988 for support.