PLEASE JOIN US!

The Valley Stream Central High School District recognizes the increasing problem that bullying causes children, especially when it is in the form of cyber-bullying.  In addition to the formal anti-bullying program the District offers to all junior high school students, we are proud to invite you to hear Ryan’s Story as told by his father John Halligan. 

Ryan Halligan was a thirteen year old middle school student in Essex Junction, Vermont who committed suicide in 2003.  Ryan was a victim of bullying and cyber-bullying.  Mr. Halligan tells the story of his son’s life, the ridicule that his son endured, the devastating impact that his son’s suicide has had on his life, and the power of forgiveness.  Of course we want to provide our students with a strong anti-bullying and anti-cyber-bullying message.

Mr. Halligan will be speaking at assemblies for 7^th and 8^th graders at North and South High Schools on Thursday, February 25, 2010 and at Memorial Junior High School on Friday, February 26, 2010. 

 In addition, John Halligan will be speaking on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in Keller Auditorium at Central High School.  Parents and students of all grades in our schools are invited to attend.  We expect this to be an outstanding presentation and an unforgettable story.

We hope this will provide a powerful message on the dangers of bullying/cyber-bullying and the devastating effect of teen suicide.  We anticipate that some of our students will be upset at this message.  We are prepared for this, as should you.  Conversation on these subjects is important and should be encouraged.  If you feel that your child needs additional intervention, we encourage you to call your child’s counselor.

Additional materials about how to help you prevent your child from becoming a victim of cyber-bullying will be available that evening. Cyber-bullying is a rapidly growing problem that can happen on all electronic devices – computers, cell phones, blackberries, and iphones and through texting, sending emails or pictures, on social networks such as Facebook.

RELIEF TO HAITI

We have received the following communication from the New York State Education Department:

SEMO is monitoring  Haitian earthquake relief efforts on behalf of the Governor and coordinating efforts with the federal government and other stakeholders, when appropriate. Please be aware of efforts of your constituents and stakeholder groups and let SEMO response know of any types of questions, requests, or other concerns regarding Haiti relief efforts.

Some have expressed an interest in possibly traveling to Haiti to assist.  Individuals should not travel to Haiti unless they are part of an approved relief effort.  Further, donations of cash to credible relief organizations are the most responsible way to assist Haitian humanitarian relief activities.  Due to the devastation of infrastructure in Haiti, goods cannot be received, stored or distributed.   Transportation of donated items by local, state, or federal governments should not be assumed to be available. 

If you have any questions please contact SEMO Response through the State Emergency Communication Center at 518-292-2200. 

Please click on the "Read More" button for a list of organizations providing humanitarian relief in Haiti.