Jeter-Watson Elementary School fourth graders Anisha Scott (left) and Carleigh Daniel greet each other at the start of the school day in teacher Courtney Crawford’s homeroom. Jeter-Watson and other Alleghany Highlands Public Schools are using the Responsive Classroom approach each morning to help every student feel welcome and connected. The focus on building community supports the division’s year-round efforts to prevent bullying and is especially timely as October is Bullying Prevention Month. (AHPS Photo)

AHPS Stand Against Bullying   Low Moor, VA (Oct. 8, 2025) - The Alleghany Highlands School Board is recognizing October as Bullying Prevention Month, joining the Virginia School Boards Association in raising awareness about the serious and lasting impacts of bullying in schools. Nearly 20 percent of youth in the U.S. are involved in bullying each year, either as perpetrators or victims. Studies show that 10 percent of elementary schools, 28 percent of middle schools, and 15 percent of high schools report bullying incidents at least weekly. Bullying can take many forms, verbal, physical, or electronic, and can occur both on and off school grounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control, students who are bullied face higher risks of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, decreased academic performance, absenteeism, and dropping out. Bullying can also contribute to physical health challenges and, in some cases, school violence. In support of this, the Alleghany Highlands School Board encourages open conversations about bullying throughout October and has developed a conduct policy to promote respect, kindness, and positive interactions in schools. Beyond these efforts, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools works year-round with parents and students to teach courtesy, respect, and positive behavior, fostering a consistently safe and supportive school community. These efforts are showing measurable results: according to the 2025 Student Behavior and Administrative Response data collection report to the Virginia Department of Education, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools observed a 14 percent decrease in student misbehavior compared to the previous school year. A recent example of these lessons in action comes from Jordyn Kemper, a fourth grader at Jeter-Watson Elementary School, who shared her thoughts on grace: “You have to be kind to one another, and you have to stand up for other people who need help. If you see someone holding books and there are too many, you can help them.”  Jordyn’s story illustrates that lessons about kindness and respect aren’t just learned in class; they’re practiced every day. When schools teach and model these values, they help create a place where every student feels noticed, supported, and safe.  “Bullying affects our students’ safety, mental health, and academic success,” said Jonathan Arritt, chair of the school board. “Recognizing Bullying Prevention Month helps bring our community together to promote respect, empathy, and positive behavior in schools.” Stay connected with the AHPS community! Follow Alleghany Highlands Public Schools on social media for the latest news, events, and stories celebrating students, staff, and schools. You can find AHP Facebook at AHPublicSchools and Instagram at ahpublicschools. To learn more and stay informed, visit the division website at www.ahps.k12.va.us.

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