As a sub-committee of the School Health, Wellness and Safety Council, The Youth Activities Committee has targeted the areas of Bullying and Gang Activities as areas of concern. To combat the negative affects of these two potentially harmful behaviors, programs that target awareness and prevention have been implemented in our schools and community.

Dr. Dan Olweus, a national leader in the area bullying prevention strategies’ is the author of the program we use in ACPS to combat the growing problems related to bullying. Students and teachers are trained to recognize and report incidents of bullying.

The Bullying Hotline Number (434)352-2071 has been opened and is available for anonymous reporting via phone call. For reporting via text message, please send the message to (434)609-7146. Students are encouraged to report all incidences of bullying that they observe even if they are not a direct victim of the abuse.

Area businesses have joined in the fight against bulling by displaying signs that say “Bullying Has No Business Here” as a reminder to our community that we take this problem seriously and choose not to ignore its impact on our youth.

With the help of local law enforcement, Gang Activity Tasks Forces, and the office of the Appomattox Commonwealth Attorney, ACPS students, parents, and community have the opportunity to learn the latest information about suspected and confirmed gang activity in our area, warning signs, and proven prevention strategies available to us all. The ACPS Media Arts class has created an informational brochure related to the warning signs of gang activities and our response.