When NFAR awarded Sweetwater Unified with a grant to develop a Peer Sensitivity and Anti-Bullying curriculum last Fall, we knew it would be a groundbreaking program. But we had no idea how timely it would become.
Just as the program launched in March, designed to teach the 7th grade students at Eastlake Middle School autism awareness and the value of all people, the nation was shocked by the news of student deaths due to bullying. A first-of-its-kind, Eastlake's program gained local attention, being featured in the Union-Tribune and on San Diego 6.
From students talking about their personal experiences with autism to a former bully speaking about why she tormented other students and what she learned when she became their friend instead, the Eastlake classes are currently working on an educational campaign and video that aims to create a culture where bullying of any kind is not tolerated.