High school known for anti-bully campaigns could use help. (It's the little school that could)

[blm]

This small, Charlotte school is in a disadvantaged neighborhood, but, it is one of the top schools in the country when it comes to two things - Arts and its anti-bullying mindset.

The US attorney who wants to raise awareness on bullying went to the school to hear how its leading the way.
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/US-Attorney-continues-dialogue-with-local-school-122330259.html

Now, Northwest School of Arts is fast becoming known as the school parents want to send their kids who have become targets at their home schools.

>>>
Every day was torture for Josh Alexander. For years, the 13-year-old was targeted by bullies with cruel jokes and verbal abuse. That is, until he came to Northwest School of the Arts. "I felt a lot freer to just be myself and just be who I am truly instead of just cowering in the corner," said Alexander.

And Friday he and his classmates, many of whom also suffered in silence, made their voices heard. Tompkins, who oversees the Western District, spent the morning talking to parents, teachers, students and staff about bullying.

“It's not a rite of passage," she said. "The bullying that's happening today is so much more pervasive and serious that children are committing suicide. That's when we really have to wake up and see what is the impact on these kids.”

The teens, many of them members of the Gay Straight Alliance, shared their experiences with Tompkins. And although most of the questions revolved around sexual orientation, Principal Barry Bowe stressed it's about acceptance for all.
>>>


Well, now this small school is competing with much larger schools for Glee's Give A Note prize being awarded to high school arts programs. Please give their submitted video a watch and add your vote. This small, brave school sure could use the votes.

http://www.gleegiveanote.com/vote_details.php?id=159

[Wheezy]

1. posting it everywhere right...now.

[blm]

3. thanks so much...this school is going to help shape policy re teen bullying.

I understand that a PBS documentary is in the works featuring NWSA.

If you could see the neighborhood this school is in you'd get why most of these kids don't even have internet at home so they can vote for themselves.

[Wheezy]

4. That's wonderful about the documentary.

I visit a lot of schools like these and the students always blow me away with their awesomeness.
I posted to my personal facebook, my fan page, an anti-bullying YA author page I belong to, and my twitter feed asking for help spreading the word.

Kicking in hopes someone will give you that 5th rec...

[blm]

5. Wheezy I didn't realize you were that involved. I need to get to this forum more.

I tend to stay in GD.

[Wheezy]

8. I keep an eye on the latest page

And I'm really passionate about ending bullying - there's a large group of authors who write for teens who are plugging away at it. We did an anthology on bullying with all proceeds going toward anti-bullying charities. And I also write about kids and the arts, so you got me with the one-two punch on this one! :) Here's hoping the fans dig in and help too.

[blm]

9. Wow. That's quite alot. Sounds like you should visit this school.

Will you be coming to Charlotte for the convention? We can make it a one-two-three punch! ; )

[Wheezy]

10. I won't be at the convention

But I'll keep voting for this school and spreading the word. I hope the get it -- they have a lot of votes so there's a chance for them!

[blm]

11. Thanks - they're close enough to be in contention. Voting is once a day through Nov 7.

They are one big push away.

[Imalittleteapot]

2. Voted. nt

[WillParkinson]

6. Voted up!

Good luck to them.

[Pacifist Patriot]

7. Very cool!