Entire SSMS Takes in 'Bully'

The entire student body of got an in depth look at what it's like to be a victim of bullying on Tuesday, taking in the documentary "Bully" and participating in a number of school activities to underscore the adverse affect of the nationwide issue.

According to The Bully Project.com, the documentary follows five kids and families over the course of a school year. Stories include two families who have lost children to suicide and a mother awaiting the fate of her 14-year-old daughter who has been incarcerated after bringing a gun on her school bus.

Twenty two busses transported South Side Middle School students and staff supervisors to the Loews Raceway theater in Westbury. The trip was funded through a grant from DonorsChoose.org, a nonprofit organization that connects public school teachers with people who want to support classroom learning.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to expand upon our efforts to address bullying, build community as a school as well as to continue our discussion about bullying in this social climate," said SSMS Principal Shelagh McGinn.

After viewing the documentary, students were impacted by its powerful message.

“No one deserves to be treated the way the boy was treated and no one has the right to treat anyone that way," said seventh-grader Allison Mullooly. "We cannot stand around and wait. This problem needs to be taken care of and we need to do it.”

“This was a great movie and it taught us a life lesson,” said sixth-grader Kim Boyce.
 
McGinn added that entire school walked the SSMS track three times in silence to represent those "who have no voice."  

"It was amazing and awe inspiring to see this school as a whole, quietly walking and reflecting on the experience of the day," she said.