🧡 October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Building a safe and welcoming school community takes teamwork between home and the classroom!
Now that the school year is in full swing, we want to focus on building strong friendships. Research shows that bullying stops when kids look out for each other. When students choose kindness and include everyone, bullying has no place to grow.
💬 Start a Conversation at Home
According to StopBullying.gov, kids feel stronger and happier when they talk openly with thier families. This week, try asking your child a few specific questions about their day instead of just saying, “How was school?” Try these conversation starters:
🧡 Who did you sit with at lunch or play with at recess today?
🧡 What do kids at your school do when someone gets picked on?
🧡 Did you see anyone do something kind for a classmate today?
🧡 Let's Continue to Stand Together!
Let's continue building a community that stands together for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion! We can all play a part in creating a community and culture where everyone feels safe, respected, valued, and included. Helping our children recognize bullying behaviors, understand how their actions affect others, and learn how to stand up for one another starts with conversations at home and at school.
Talking with teens about bullying: Visit PACER Teens Against Bullying for resources to help you talk with your teen about bullying, recognizing harmful behaviors, and how they can help create a more accepting and inclusive school community.
Helping younger children understand bullying: Explore PACER's Kids Against Bullying for interactive activities to help children recognize bullying behaviors, understand how their actions affect others, and learn how to respond with kindness. These resources can be a great starting point for conversations with your child about treating others with respect and making sure everyone feels included.
At Ovid-Elsie, speak up! If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, tell a trusted adult at school or at home. You don't have to handle it alone, and speaking up can make a difference.
Need help reporting a concern? Students, families, and community members can use Michigan's OK2SAY program to confidentially report bullying and other safety concerns. You can also visit our Ovid-Elsie Conflict Resolution page for helpful information and resources.
🧡 Together, we can make kindness the norm and help every student feel like they belong!
💙 BASIC NEEDS: THE POWER OF MATTERING
Belonging is important. Knowing you matter takes it one step further.
As we work together to build a strong school community, we often talk about the importance of belonging. We want every student to feel like they fit in. But exciting research shared by The Mattering Lab shows there is something even deeper that helps children thrive: Mattering.
✨ What is the difference?
💙 Belonging asks: "Do I fit in here?"
🧡 Mattering asks: "Does what I do make a difference here?"
Dr. Rabiya Karamali explains that kids don't just want to be taken care of. They want to know that their presence, their voice, and their ideas actually matter to the people they love. When kids feel like they don't matter, they can struggle with anxiety or pull away. But when they know they are important to their family and school, they build incredible emotional strength and confidence.
🌱 Four Simple Ways to Help Your Child Feel They Matter
Mattering doesn't require giant grand gestures. It is built in tiny, everyday moments. Here are four simple ways you can foster a sense of mattering at home this week:
💬 1. Listen with your whole attention
When your child tells a story, put down your phone and make eye contact. It shows them that their thoughts are valuable.
🏡 2. Offer real choices
Invite your child to help plan family dinners, choose a weekend activity, or weigh in on a household routine. This signals that their opinion has real weight.
🌟 3. Praise the effort, not just the win
Notice when they try something brand new, show patience, or practice kindness—even if things don't turn out perfectly.
🤝 4. Invite them to contribute
Give your child roles that match their strengths. Ask for their ideas when planning a trip or let them lead a small family routine.
When we show children that their actions count, we give them a firm foundation of self-worth that lasts a lifetime.
📖 Want to learn more?
To read the full article on The Power of Mattering in Families, check out the Psychology Today Guide on Mattering in Families.
💙 BASIC NEEDS: FAMILY SUPPORT
You are not alone. Help and resources are available.
If your family is facing a challenge with basic needs, here are some ways to get connected to support:
🥫 Food, Financial & Community Resources
📞 Call or Text 2-1-1 or Michigan 211 Online Database: This is a free number that connects you to a local operator. Online you will find a giant list of resources that can tell you exactly where to find things like local food pantries, rental assistance, or winter coats.
🛒 Visit MI Bridges Online: This is the state website where you can apply for help with grocery money (SNAP benefits).
🚗 Tri-County Community Health Guide: lists resources by category such as transportation needs.
🏠 McKinney Vento: If you are facing housing challenges, Services and Liaisons may be able to help.
💙 Your School Community Is Here to Help
Please remember that our school staff is also here for you.
Crystal Loynes, Homeless Liaison, 989-834-2271 x 1000
Morgan Alexander, Elementary School Counselor, 989-834-2271 x 1323
Jennifer Garcia, Middle School Counselor, 989-834-2271 x 1421
Autumn Winsor, High School Counselor, 989-834-2271 x 1902
Melissa Jones, District Nurse, 989-834-6375
Every family needs a little extra support sometimes, and that's okay! At Ovid-Elsie Area Schools, we want to help connect our students and families with resources to support their well-being.
Here are a few ways to get connected:
💙 Care & Needs Closets: Our school buildings offer care and needs closets to help support students with essential items when needs arise.
🥫 Compassion Backpack Food Program: Through CCRESA, our Compassion Bag Program provides weekend food bags filled with easy, shelf-stable meals and snacks for students and families who could use a little extra support.
🍎 Local Food Bank: Our community food bank is another resource for families needing assistance with groceries and food.
🍼 Local Baby Pantry: Families with infants and young children may also find support through our local baby pantry for baby-related essentials.
Need help or have questions? Please reach out to your school office or a trusted staff member. We can help connect you with available resources and support. There is no shame in asking for help—we are here to support our students and families!
💙 When we take care of our families, we help our students thrive at school and beyond.