Bullying:

Continued From Page 16 knows what happened anyway. Adriana Kuch was beat up by other children, who posted the attack on social media. She committed suicide shortly thereafter.

Board President Denise Pavone-Wilson wasn’t going to talk but she briefly came to the podium.

“This has been devastating,” she said. The board didn’t yet have a chance to meet but they have been calling and texting each other trying to come up with solutions.

A Culture Of Bullying

The tone of the public meeting was similar, with many accusations from parents. This was a regularly scheduled board meeting, so they went through about 20 minutes of generic business on the meeting agenda before opening the floor to the public. The public didn’t want to wait and some people were shouting at the board from the beginning. One yelled “We don’t care about your agenda!” A few other parents stood up and tried to get everyone to calm down so that the meeting wouldn’t get shut down. There was a police presence. The chief and the county prosecutor were in the audience, as well as a few elected officials. A grief counselor urged people to talk to others if they are hurting, and listen to people who might be hurting.

Board President Pavone-Wilson said her kids went here. “We do not condone fighting or bullying of any kind. We never did and

Government:

Continued From Page 9 change education for the entire country.”

While the state sets overarching learning standards, local school districts design the day-to-day classroom curriculum that helps students meet the standards. The Climate Awareness Education grants are designed to help schools implement handson, experiential learning opportunities for students; create “Green Teams” of students and educators to provide leadership and support local initiatives; establish professional development for teachers; and offer curriculum development and instructional materials aligned with the State’s learning we never will.”

They held a moment of silence for Adriana. Then, the shouting resumed as students, former students, and parents painted a picture of what they experienced in the district.

This newspaper will not repeat specific claims or names in order to protect the children involved. The concern is if they were named, they would face additional bullying. For example, one child started to self-harm because of the issues in school. That information could provide bullies with more ammunition. While their bravery in stepping forward should be applauded, and mental illness shouldn’t be stigmatized, it is not worth publishing these names for these children’s future employers to fi nd online.

Children shared stories of being stonewalled or gaslit by staff when they asked for help. One said if a child files a report, sometimes the bullying intensifies.

“For months – years – we’ve been talking about the same thing with no results,” parent Kelly Edwards said.

Parent John Galifi said the district has been reactionary – making changes after bad things happen, rather than proactive and trying to stop a problem before it gets worse.

“If you’re always fighting the parents, you’re putting yourself in the wrong place,” he said.

“The press conference was backhanded. It is time to listen. We the parents are dedicated to keeping the spotlight on you until it’s solved to our liking,” he said.

A 2001 graduate said “This is not a new standards.

All public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects in New Jersey are eligible to apply for a share of the funding, which was part of Governor Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget. School districts and charter/renaissance schools will have until mid-March to apply for the funding. Districts that apply will get an equal share of the funding, with the 31 Schools Development Authority districts receiving an additional 15 percent. The application process will be streamlined to allow grant funding to be distributed for use in the current school year for schools that have programs ready to be implemented. Funds are to be used by June 30, 2023.

Bullying:

Continued From Page 17 issue here at Central Regional.”

Some children were bullied by teachers or coaches, according to the speakers. One recent grad said that he was bullied out of the district by both kids and teachers. He was told “that teacher’s just that way.” He was told that he needs to grow up and get used to dealing with people he doesn’t like.

“I’ve been out of school for two years and honestly no one has treated me like that,” he said.

Traci Rocco said her son wasn’t bullied but intervened to help someone who was.

However, there is a culture of bullying. It was shown when the superintendent said what he said about the Kuch family, she said. It was shown when staff are getting bullied by people because of this issue (staff members have received death threats). Two board of education members posted racist things on social media (This is in reference to Heather Koenig and a relative of Merissa Borawski last year). She said that some of the other people on the board and some of the other staff members might get lumped in as guilty by association.

“I think some of your employees are amazing,” she said.

One girl, who shared that Adriana was her best friend, said that twice she’s had gun threats.

“We’re scared to walk the halls of Central,” a 9th grader said. “There are police officers, but all they do is scare us.”

She suggested a program where other responsible adults, perhaps members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, could volunteer at the school to provide an extra layer of protection.

Another student said she was bullied in school so she was told by staff to go virtual. She said she was told to switch classes or suck it up. Now, she’s in a better place with friends who care and she’s built her confidence. “Central didn’t help me. I did that on my own.”

One parent said “I understand the state has guidelines but can the district do more?”

Parent James Magee said if a student hits another they should get a police charge or a fi ne. Maybe it would change their behavior if the consequences were stronger.

Some parents warned that they’re going to teach their children to fight back because that’s the only way they’ll be safe.

One current student said he was bullied every day and didn’t receive the help he needed from the school. He also called out the hypocrisy of some of the people in the crowd. “People in this room have bullied me and I don’t even know why you’re here.”

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is pleased to host a presentation by the Ocean County Health Department, “Shore to Age Well: Medication Management and Alternatives,” at four branches during the month of March:

Brick Branch – 10 a.m. March 15. 301 Chambers Bridge Road, 732-477-4513.

Waretown Branch – 10:30 a.m. March 20. 112 Main Street, 609-693-5133.

Barnegat Branch – 10 a.m. March 22. 112 Burr Street, 609-698-3331. Manchester Branch – 10 a.m. March 27. 21 Colonial Drive, 732-657-7600.

The program, designed for residents 55 and older, aims to promote common sense in the use of medications, to present information about alternatives to opioids, and to encourage discussion with physicians about ways to achieve desired results.

It will highlight non-opioid forms of pain management, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, yoga, massage therapy, local anesthetics, topical solutions, biofeedback, exercise, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Register at theoceancountylibrary.org/ events to attend one of these free programs, sponsored by the Ocean County Library Senior Services Department.

Master Medication Management FUN & GAMES