Hurley assemblies address bullying among females

By RALPH ANSAMI

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Hurley — The Hurley Parents-Teachers Organization is sponsoring three assemblies on Wednesday dealing with girl-against-girl bullying.

PTO secretary Courtney Maslanka said the assemblies are part of the Kind Campaign that discusses the effects of bullying.

During the day, there will be assemblies from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. for high school students and 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. for middle school students.

The evening assembly for parents and community members will be at 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Maslanka said girls from Ironwood will also participate in the assemblies.

Two girls created the Kind Campaign that visits school districts. While the Hurley School District won’t be a stop on the tour, it has taken the opportunity to present its own anti-bullying programs.

In February 2009, while attending Pepperdine University, Lauren Paul and Molly Thompson joined forces. After having both been affected by female bullying throughout their youth, they decided to create change by giving females a platform to speak out.

What began as an idea for a documentary about girl-against-girl bullying ultimately became Kind Campaign, a “multi-platform” movement.

The documentary film featuring the two girls will be shown at Hurley.

Paul and Thompson interviewed hundreds of females across America about girl-against-girl bullying, exploring pressures of being a girl and how that can take a toll on relationships.

In addition to the stories they tell, Paul and Thompson talk with experts and authors in the fields of psychology and education.

Guidance counselor Sarah Eder is the school contact for the programs in the Hurley district.