February is Anti-Bullying Month. When it comes to bullying, McCollough/Unis tells kids to just shake it off. On February 26, 2015, Mrs. Kincaid’s Journalism students, Ms. Wilkie’s Enrichment students, and the Unis cheerleaders encouraged student to Take a Stand against bullying.  During the three lunch room sessions they all danced to Shake it off by Taylor Swift.

Flash Mobbers Unite!

In dedication to Anti-Bullying Month, Mrs. Kincaid and Ms. Wilkie decided to talk about bullying in a fun and creative way. What better way to get the attention of an entire school then by having a surprise Flash Mob Dance to a popular song. When asked what message they were trying to put out with the dance, Mrs. Kincaid replied, “February is Anti-Bullying Month, we wanted students to feel accepted. The message is, everyone’s accepted at McCullough Unis School!”

Dancers surprising students

Behind the scenes this three-minute dance took weeks of practice and dedication. The dancers had been working on it since the end of January. Practicing in the gym and in their class two or three times a week. “It was fun.” said Hassan Tourfa, a journalism student in Mrs. Kincaid’s class. “I think people liked it, it made them feel a part of it. Most of them wanted to just get up and dance along.”

Everyone dancing together

Bullying makes kids feel like they aren’t accepted, like they don’t belong, and the flash mob is to tell them that they are. Everyone’s accepted. Everyone who participated in the planning of the dance wanted kids to get that message.

One of the best parts of this experience was when the dancers went to shake hands with the audience.  Everyone wanted their hands touched and the energy level was intense.  Many students got out of their seats and danced with the performers.  “Seeing everyone so excited was the most amazing part,” stated Ms. Wilkie.

Shaking hands with the crowd

Bullying is a serious issue in schools.  We want students to know it will never be tolerated and everyone is safe at our school.  Students were reminded to be upstanders and to find an adult to help. When it comes to bullying all you need to do is shake it off, at least that’s what McCollough/Unis teaches. At the end of February, in dedication to anti-bullying month,  McCollough/Unis made sure that everyone felt accepted.

Kawther Albaiatty

Middle School Journalism