Planned by “Just Stop It,” GC Junior High School’s anti-bullying club, an entire school day was dedicated to learning about bullying. 700+ students attended classes about bullying, with role-playing activities and documentaries teaching how to recognize it, how to stop it, what to do when a target, and how to report it to the right people to get help.

The day culminated with a public forum for parents led by author Doug Wilhelm, who wrote the popular novel “The Revealers” about bullying at a middle school. An E² grant from GCSF helped cover author fees and travel expenses. The program was so successful that efforts at GC Junior High School continue to promote the “Just Stop It” anti-bullying campaign.

Fada believes fourth grade is “a pivotal year for keeping students engaged and helping them see the value of education.”

High school volunteers are available after school two times each week to work together and build relationships with the younger students. Through an E² Grant from GCSF, program mentors use structured time to help students with homework, math and reading, although some play time is included. The ultimate goal is to have mentors available to work one-on-one with all interested youth.

Former Greenfield Intermediate School Principal Jim Bever emphasized that Cougars (named after the G-C mascot) and Cubs is all “about giving these guys a vision of success.”