On Tuesday, October 1, the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District sponsored an anti-bullying assembly called Bias, Prejudice and Stereotypes: How Do They Affect Us? from the Middlesex County Department of Corrections & Youth Services.
Freshman and Sophomore students listened to the presentation by David D’Amico, the Chief Investigator for the Middlesex County Department of Corrections and Youth Services, during class-level assemblies held in the high school auditorium.
Mr. D’Amico’s mission is “to advise the students how implicit bias and prejudice affects everybody, which is something we must work together to overcome." The presentation also focused on the pyramid of prejudice and the importance of taking action versus being a bystander.
His theme reflects a crucial quest reinforced throughout the school district.
One of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District’s goals is to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all students. The district is diligently working to ensure that every student who walks through our doors feels safe and part of our diverse school community.
Lauren Amisial, a Student Assistance Counselor at the high school, coordinated the assembly to “send a message to our students about anti-bullying and how to prevent bias.”
“All of our students will benefit from the message that Mr. D’Amico will give (today),” said Ms. Amisial, who was honored as the Governor’s Educational Services Professional of the Year for Bridgewater-Raritan High School in the 2023-2024 school year.
She added that his presentation “came at a perfect time since we have the Week of Respect coming up.”
From October 7 through 11, all public schools in New Jersey will recognize the Week of Respect. Schools will acknowledge the importance of social and emotional learning while emphasizing age-appropriate instruction that will focus on preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB).