October 29, 2023
By: Bill Conger
DeKalb West School turned one of the annual fundraisers—“Run for the Dogs” —into an opportunity to bring awareness to bullying prevention.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month so prior to the start of each grade band beginning its run, an announcement was made encouraging students to “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully.” Students carried posters proclaiming heartfelt slogans like “Bullying is Out, Kindness is In,” “Together We Can Make a World Without Bullying a Reality,” and “Bullying. Not Cool. Not Okay. Not Accepted.”
Coordinated by DWS PTO, the Bulldog Run brought in $6,804. $1,500 of which will be used for capital improvements to the school with a focus on the playground.
PTO President Shelly Barnes says, “This event is more than a fundraiser. It is a time when students can gather and celebrate the spirit of their school. Featuring National Bullying Prevention Month was a great way to encourage students to show kindness to one another. We are grateful for the support from parents, family members, friends, and community members.”
Kindergarten teacher Tonya Ellis’ class raised $785 the most among the PreK-K group, Susan West’s first grade raised the most money from the 1st and 2nd grades with $725 total. In the 3rd through 5th grade category, Jessica Antoniak’s 3rd grade class raised $580, and among the middle school grades 7th grade teacher Leslie Moore’s room had the highest total with an even $200. 1st grade teacher Crystal Barnes’ room raised the most money schoolwide with $830.
Students who raised the most money from their grade band were Pre-K student Anderson Sliger in the Pre-K-K band, Avayah Cook in the 1st-2nd grade band, Sydney Turner in the 3rd-5th grade band, and Billy Clark in the 6th-8th grade band. Rusty Chapman raised the most of any students with $400. Each student who raised $100 was entered into a drawing for a prize. Emma Sharp was the drawing winner.
Sponsors for the event were Prichard’s Food, Liberty State Bank in Alexandria, and Luke Prichard Excavating and Trucking, LLC.
DeKalb West School students also created artwork for Bully Prevention Month, and many of their posters are currently hanging in the stores of downtown Smithville merchants. Students also recorded bullying prevention public service announcements that were broadcast at various times over WJLE AM-FM.