Embedded Files
October 19th-23rd
In accordance with the New Jersey School Association (18A:36-5.1) all schools are required to annually designate the third week in October as School Violence Awareness Week.
Resources
NJ Department of Education – School Safety & Violence Prevention — NJ-specific information on Violence Awareness Week, school safety, bullying prevention, teen dating violence, and related resources. NJDOE School Safety & Violence Prevention
NJDOE – Week of Respect Resource Hub — Useful for activities around respect, inclusion, school climate, SEL, bullying/HIB, and trauma-informed practices. NJDOE Week of Respect Resources
Sandy Hook Promise – Educator Hub — Free lesson plans, discussion guides, activities, and resources focused on belonging, empathy, trusted adults, and violence prevention. Sandy Hook Promise Educator Hub
Sandy Hook Promise – Free K–12 resource that teachs students how to recognize concerning behavior and tell a trusted adult. Say Something Resources
PACER National Bullying Prevention Center — Has free middle/high-school lessons, quick guides, activities, and student resources addressing bullying and cyberbullying. PACER Middle & High School Resources
PACER Student Action Plan Against Bullying — A handout for students who are experiencing bullying or are trying to help a peer. PACER Student Action Plan
CDC Youth Violence Prevention — Information about risk and protective factors, school connectedness, and prevention strategies. CDC Youth Violence Prevention
Together, We Can Create a Safer, Kinder School Community
Together, We Can Create a Safer, Kinder School Community
This week gives us an opportunity to talk about preventing violence, resolving conflict, promoting respect and inclusion, recognizing when someone may need support, and knowing how to speak up when something doesn't feel right.
Violence prevention isn't just about what happens during a crisis. It starts with the everyday choices we make to create a school community where people feel safe, respected, included, and connected.
💜 What Can I Do?
💜 What Can I Do?
Be Kind
Small actions can have a big impact. Include someone who may be feeling left out, check in with a friend, or simply treat others with respect.
Include Others
Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. Notice who may be sitting alone, being excluded, or having a difficult day.
Speak Up
If you see something concerning, don't assume someone else will handle it. Tell a trusted adult. Speaking up is not “snitching”—it is one way we help keep ourselves and others safe.
Choose Respect
Conflict happens. How we respond matters. Take a pause, listen, communicate respectfully, and seek help when a situation feels too difficult to handle on your own.
Get Help
You don't have to figure everything out by yourself. Whether something is happening to you, a friend, or someone you know, reaching out to a trusted adult is a positive first step.
💻 Online? The Same Rules Apply.
💻 Online? The Same Rules Apply.
Violence prevention includes our digital spaces, too.
Before you post, send, share, or comment, ask yourself:
Could this hurt or embarrass someone?
Am I adding to a conflict?
Would I say this to someone's face?
Could sharing this make a situation worse?
Should I step away and talk to an adult instead?
If you receive something concerning, don't forward it or add to the situation. Save what you need to show a trusted adult and ask for help.
🗣️ Who Can I Talk To?
🗣️ Who Can I Talk To?
You can reach out to any trusted adult in your life.
At school, this may include:
Your School Counselor
Student Assistance Counselor
Teacher
Administrator
School Nurse
School Psychologist
Coach
Advisor
Another staff member you trust
You can also talk to a parent, caregiver, family member, or another trusted adult outside of school.
There is no wrong door when you're looking for help.
🤝 Be an Upstander
🤝 Be an Upstander
Being an upstander doesn't mean putting yourself in the middle of a dangerous situation.
You can make a difference by:
Notice → Support → Report
NOTICE: Pay attention when something doesn't seem right.
SUPPORT: Let the person know they aren't alone when it is safe to do so.
REPORT: Tell a trusted adult who can help.
Never put your own safety at risk to intervene.
👀 When Should I Speak Up?
👀 When Should I Speak Up?
Consider telling a trusted adult if you:
Notice someone being repeatedly targeted, threatened, bullied, or excluded
Hear or see something that makes you concerned about someone's safety
Notice a significant change in a friend's behavior or mood
Are worried about conflict that seems to be escalating
Receive a concerning message, post, photo, or video
Feel unsafe at school, online, at home, or in a relationship
Are unsure whether something is serious enough to report
You don't have to know exactly what is happening or have all the answers. If you're concerned, tell someone.
💜 Healthy Relationships Matter
💜 Healthy Relationships Matter
Everyone deserves relationships that are based on:
Respect
Trust
Communication
Boundaries
Safety
Support
Feeling pressured, controlled, threatened, intimidated, or unsafe in a friendship or relationship is not something you have to handle alone.
Talk to a trusted adult or reach out for support.
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