Literacy Coalition Coordinates Countywide “Pink Shirt Day” to Draw Attention to the Need for Bullying-Prevention Programs
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla., Feb. 17, 2017 — The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County and its nonprofit partners invite you to join in a county-wide celebration of Pink Shirt Day. The international observance originated in Canada when a teen boy was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. Bystanders came to school the next day wearing pink to make a statement to stand up for others. The Literacy Coalition is calling upon organizations, schools and businesses across the county to wear pink on February 22 in support of bullying prevention programs, like the Coalition’s that use character-based education to help “turn bullies into buddies.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), 1 in 3 students say they have been bullied at school. However, school bullying-prevention programs can decrease bullying up to 25 percent, says the DHHS.
This year’s theme for Pink Shirt Day is “Gratitude is the Attitude.” Pink Shirt Day celebrations will be held at several locations, but two in particular offer strong visuals:
- FOCUS SCHOOL: Galaxy Elementary, 505 N.W. 4th Street, Boynton Beach
- 2:30 p.m. – Ronald McDonald appearance followed by Turning Bullies into Buddies activity stations, such as “Bee” Grateful, You are Unique, Gratitude for Our World, and a Gratitude Tree
- FOCUS AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM: City of Greenacres Youth Programs, 501 Martin Avenue
- 2:45 – 3 p.m. – Children arrive and will be greeted by the Mayor and other city officials
- 3:15 p.m. – Children receive Pink Shirt Day themed snacks
- 3:30 p.m. – Gratitude soup activity with FLIPANY, gratitude themed games, i.e., gratitude bingo, shoot out bullying soccer, arts and crafts, teach a buddy a dance, and Turn Bullies into Buddies slideshow
- 4:30 p.m. – Ronald McDonald show in banquet hall; gratitude soup activity with Cool Zone
For more information, visit www.literacypbc.org or call 561-279-9103.
About the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
A recipient of the coveted 4-star Charity Navigator rating for eight consecutive years, the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County works to improve the quality of life in our community by promoting and achieving literacy. One in seven adults in our county is unable to read and understand information found in books, newspapers and manuals and nearly half of all third graders are not reading on grade level. Through extensive outreach and collaboration with a network of community partners, the Literacy Coalition strives to ensure that individuals who need to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need. By providing services to more than 27,000 adults, children and families each year, the Literacy Coalition’s goal is for every child and every adult in Palm Beach County to be able to read.
