“It’s NOT Just Joking Around!”
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity and empathy, STM is bringing in author and veteran anti-bullying expert Jodee Blanco to implement a comprehensive program entitled INJJA (It’s NOT Just Joking Around!). The program includes live, age-appropriate, student presentations with a follow-up curriculum, professional development and training for staff, and a parent/family seminar. Blanco, herself a survivor of school bullying, is the author of the seminal New York Times bestseller Please Stop Laughing at Me…, that established her as the first voice of the anti bullying movement. Since the book’s release nearly two decades ago, she has been traveling the nation’s schools delivering her message of hope and resiliency to thousands of people. Blanco focuses on the human element of bullying, incorporating the matrix of students, educators and parents into each aspect of her program, and offers a realistic, practical plan of action for achieving sustainable change.
“I’m honored to be working with St. Thomas More, St. Agnes, and St. Ann’s, and deeply inspired by their dedication to the wellbeing of every student. I cherish their trust and will work hard to exceed expectations,” says Blanco.
Jodee Blanco is the author of the seminal NY Times bestseller Please Stop Laughing at Me…. that established her as anti-bullying’s first voice. One of education’s most trusted experts, she has presented to thousands of students, teachers and parents. Administrators turn to her regularly for professional development and to implement her anti-bullying program in their schools. In addition to her memoir, she has written multiple other successful books, a series of critically acclaimed white papers on bullying, and taught at The University of Chicago and NYU. The media use her regularly as a resource and her life story has been featured in hundreds of newspapers in the U.S. and abroad. Her work has been credited with saving lives.
Jodee Blanco will visit STM on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. K-4 and 5-8 student presentations will take place in the afternoon, the faculty presentation will take place after school, and the parent presentation will take place at 6:30pm. Parents are also invited to attend the parent presentation on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 6:30pm at St. Agnes if that fits best with your schedule. This program has been made possible through Title II funds. We are looking forward to welcoming Ms. Blanco to STM and hope you can join us.