Schools

Local Municipalities Joining Students' Anti-Bullying Project

After tasting success with film, Watchung Hills Regional students plan larger effort.

A group of Watchung Hills Regional students are hoping for a "white out" March 8, as a project aimed at drawing attention to their efforts against hate and bullying unfolds.

The project grew out of the school's "Not in Our School" film project, which was broadcast on PBS stations on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2012. The film featured students discussing their experiences and feelings about bullying and hatred, under the direction of teachers Mary Sok and Jamie Lott-Jones, which was honored with the Anti-Defamation League's 21st Century Democratic Heritage Award.

The film was produced by The Working Group, of Oakland, Calif., which will be returning to record the students success with the larger, community-based project.

Find out what's happening in Warrenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Students Sarah Decker and Monica Mahal, who are helping spearhead the project, told the school's Board of Education Monday they've already received commitments from Long Hill and Watchung municipal officials that they will participate, and expect favorable responses also from Warren and Green Brook townships.

"So, from now until March 8, we're going to be going around to businesses, to elementary schools, to middle schools, to talk to them about our event," Monica said.

Find out what's happening in Warrenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

They hope to convince everyone to wear white in March 8 as a symbolic show of "being united against bullying."

For those without something white to wear—or looking to help the effort a little more—the school will be selling special T-shirts emblazoned with the project's "Speak Up, Stand Up, Stop Hate" logo for just $7.  


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here