By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
While bullying can happen at any age, the likeliness of it happening increases once children get into middle school and high school.
Through a program called All Stars, organized by Juvenile Services in Barton County, instructors spend time with sixth grade students to keep the children on the right path and how to avoid behaviors like bullying.
Case Manager Blakelee Cooper facilitated
All Stars at Holy Family School in Great Bend and found out sixth graders are
very much concerned with bullying.
"Holy Family, they've known only Holy Family," said Cooper. "They're getting ready to go to the middle school and I asked them what they're fearful of. All across the board it was bullying and how to say no when they don't want to participate in things not good for them."
Cooper told the students it is only a matter of time before they are asked to
drink alcohol, be involved in sexual activity and do drugs. Cooper instructed
the students on ways to be confident in saying no and to find friends that back
your decisions.
Michelle Daniel, Riley Elementary School social worker, said All Stars teaches
students how to stay together and support each other.
"The number one feature that the kids always say in this class is that they want to belong," said Daniel. "We try to build that belonging in that group of kids. When they get to middle school, they can support each other and help each other say no to bad behaviors."
All Stars works with sixth graders at all elementary schools in Great Bend,
Hoisington and Claflin.