AUSTIN, Texas— Austin ISD is uniting with its communities throughout Austin to raise awareness during National Bullying Prevention Month. The district is committed to providing a positive educational experience for students and staff, and believes everyone in the district deserves to be in an environment free of harassment, bullying and violence.

"This is a great opportunity to remind students and families how to report bullying and what peers can do to help if they witness bullying. The school district is committed to ensuring our students feel safe at our campuses, so they can focus their energy on receiving a quality education,” Beverly Reeves, AISD ombudsman, said. “Staff members and administrators accept reports of bullying and will take immediate action to address the situation.”

AISD continues its “Respect for All” initiative working with staff members and community partners to prevent harassment and to foster supportive settings for all students, families and staff members. The initiative includes a program known as social and emotional learning, which is the capacity to recognize and manage emotions, solve problems effectively and establish positive relationships, including feeling and showing empathy for others. The program supports school cultures and climates to allow students to practice life skills throughout their school experience.

To kick-off bullying prevention month, AISD invites all of its schools and communities to wear orange and participate inUnity Day,Wednesday, Oct. 9. Everyone can come together—in schools, communities and online—to send one large, orange message of support to students who have experienced bullying.

Anti-bullying programs are highly supported by AISD schools. For example, Walnut Creek Elementary School is teaching students to respect their peers by participating in the "Take a Stand, Lend a Hand" campaign. It is designed to encourage a climate of mutual respect for others. The school will educate students and conduct parent workshops on anti-bullying throughout the month, guiding parents to recognize bullying behavior.

If anyone in AISD’s community of educators, students and staff members believes they have been subjected to harassment or bullying of any kind, the district encourages them to immediately report the incident to the campus administrator or the district’s ombudsman. Bullying can now be reported to the AISD Police Department tips line at 512-499-TIPS.

For more information, please visit www.austinisd.org/respectforall.