Assistant Principal for Student Leadership, Melissa Cox, started us off on a positive note on Anti-Bullying and spreading positivity in the Academy community.
Cox began with the definition and some classifications of bullying. Specifically, bullying can be seen through power plays, screenshotting, and threats in person or online. Additionally, fitting in, peer pressure, or leaving out are all examples of this.
“What they [other people] think about you does not devalue you,” said Cox. These choices people make have a reason but also have consequences, and at Academy, these feelings of being bullied are never acceptable.
“Being yourself is something I’ve always been able to be myself at Academy,” Jackie Johnson (’27) said.
Though bullying is common, sometimes there are misunderstandings. Cox stressed to use words to make sure that feelings do not go unheard and to “assume the best intentions of people.”
Over the phone, things like tone and vagueness can lead someone to the assumption that there is an attitude or bad intentions, but when said out loud it can mean two completely different things.
“I think that the bullying convocation really helped to refresh what it is to be sister as AHN,” said Caitlin Kross (’26).
Cox also acknowledged sophomore year specifically, as a year of great change like friend group shifts, or just living very differently than freshman year.
Cox stressed, “Boys don’t determine your value,” as she made sure that the girls know not to ever let a boy get in-between a friendship.
A great resource to go to if there is a point of witnessing conflict or bullying is the handbook, to address the issue head-on, or seek counsel from friends or trusted adults. The last step should be to report to the administration if none of these resources help the situation.
“I think this community is so safe and I feel comfortable to talk to anyone and not feel judged,” said Caroline Bertozzi (’27).
Administration will intake the information like it is an investigation, with very serious reporting, questioning, and follow ups. Cox’s ultimate goal is to reconcile and make it so no one is afraid to go to school, so the administration will ask for permission before doing anything and have open communication with the student.
“I always feel comfortable at the Academy to go to the counselors or administration just to have someone to talk to,” said Gretchen Morey (‘27).
Cox ended the presentation on a positive note of how to be resilient and build up the sisterhood. She said, “Know your worth, respond, don’t react, build a support squad, and practice gratitude.”
