For the month of October, Harding Charter Preparatory Middle School at Independence (HCPMS) participated in Bullying Prevention Month. Middle School marks a pivotal time during adolescence, and no one understands this better than Lydia Couvas, Dean of Student Success.

This is the first year HCPMS participated in the Bullying Prevention Month, where students and staff took part in meaningful activities designed to promote kindness, inclusion, respect, and a strong sense of belonging across our school community.

"I think one of the main things we want kids to understand is how to identify, what conflict is and what bullying is," said Couvas. "We tend to use the word bullying for everything. For instance, if someone is just being mean or if we have any type of conflict."

Activities throughout the month included Eagles Wings Bulletin Board, Classroom Door Decorating Contest, "Upstander" Superhero Contest, National Unity Day and concluding with the Anti-Bullying Pledge Campaign.

"Our Bullying Prevention Month is all about students seeing that they themselves belong and recognizing that everyone else has value and belongs as well," said Couvas.

The anti-bullying campaign aligned with the Pacer Center, a national non-profit organization that focuses on advocacy for children, families, and young adults with disabilities. On Wednesday, October 21st students and staff were encouraged to wear the color orange – a color associated fall, but also with "safety", "vibrancy", "warmth", and "invitation" (Promote Unity Day – PACER Center).

"My focus this month is not just bullying prevention to just identify bullying, my main goal is that, by the end of the month, student take the pledge to be an 'Upstander'. The difference is that a bystander stands by and sees it. An upstander sees that something is wrong or someone needs help, and chooses to 'stand-up' and do something," said Couvas.

While Bullying Prevention Month focused on helping students identify bullying, practice inclusion, and become "Upstanders," it also served as an extension of the school's broader Character Education program. Through intentional lessons and activities throughout the year, HCPMS equips students with the social-emotional skills needed to navigate the challenges of adolescence, build positive relationships, and contribute to a supportive school community.

By encouraging students to recognize the value in themselves and those around them, HCPMS is fostering a culture where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Bullying Prevention Month highlighted one important aspect of that work, but the commitment to building character, strengthening relationships, and creating a sense of belonging remains a daily priority at HCPMS.