Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC)

Arts S. T. O. P. Bullying

"We're proud to use the voice of the arts to champion what is good for society, and there's nothing good that bullies bring to society." 

-Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition and co-founder of be a STAR

Is bullying a problem in Montgomery County?

Even though Maryland has enacted an anti-bullying law that protects all students, there are still many instances of bullying throughout our communities and schools. Governor and Mrs. O’Malley have launched a bullying prevention campaign and designated the week of May 23-27 as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. In Montgomery County, MD, the numbers of reported cases of bullying do not accurately represent the sad reality that bullying is pervasive in schools. 

A 2009-2010 School Environment Survey completed by middle school students attending Montgomery County Public Schools reported:

  • 3,000 reported instances of bullying
  • 56.4% of students said bullying was a problem
  • 41.5% of parents said bullying was a problem

What is Arts S.T.O.P.?

Arts S.T.O.P. (Students Teachers Organizations Parents) Bullying is an arts-based intervention program that will be piloted during the 2011-2012 academic year in two MCPS middle schools. Arts S.T.O.P. is an in-school and after-school program integrating the arts and the academic curriculum to impact student learning and self-image through positive empowerment and bully prevention strategies. 

Arts S.T.O.P. consists of:

  • DEVELOPMENT PHASE: Collaboration with school personnel, teaching artists and AHCMC staff
  • IMPLEMENTATION PHASE: Integrating the arts and academics for in-school and after-school residency programs
  • EVALUATION: Student, teacher, parent and teaching artist input through various evaluation strategies
  • CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT: Develop a series of lessons based on the program with the teaching artists and classroom teachers providing input, suggestions and ideas.

How can I make a difference?

Inform yourself through MCPS resources

801 Ellsworth Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20910
T: 301-565-3805 | F: 301-565-3809

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