Mirror staff reports:

Students in the civic engagement club at Mark Twain Elementary School unveiled an anti-bully mural June 18 at the children's playground at Celebration Park.

Federal Way AmeriCorps volunteers Nicole Johnson and Dennis Porter worked with the children on the project. Since February, the eight students and AmeriCorps volunteers have met twice a week after school.

The students created the anti-bully mural, which shows a girl helping a boy to his feet, underneath a banner that reads: "It only takes one person to change the world! Stop bullying!!"

The students picked the topic of bullying because it was an issue they felt was important in today's schools. The Mark Twain Elementary students have seen the effects of bullying and want to prevent others from getting hurt.

Federal Way students and schools have spread an anti-bully message throughout the year. In January, Meredith Hill Elementary hosted an event as part of Rachel's Challenge, which honors Rachel Scott, one of the students killed at Columbine High School in 1999. The aim of Rachel’s Challenge is to promote random acts of kindness.

On Oct. 31, students at Nautilus K-8 made a pledge to combat bullying and not become one themselves. The school said no to Halloween costumes and yes to wearing orange. Diane French, dean of students, said anti-bully efforts the past few years are making a difference. Bully incidents are down, and more students speak up for one another.

Staff throughout Federal Way Public Schools are participating in bully prevention training this year as part of an increased emphasis on bullying in the district.

 

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