It’s the first day of school for many students across the Southern Tier. While buses are back on the road, and students back at their bus stops, motorists are being reminded to use caution on roadways. Prepare to stop when you see yellow flashing lights, and do not pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.
The Owego-Apalachin School District is reminding students of the New York State Dignity for All Students Act. It went into effect July 1st 2012 and states that no student shall be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students, on school property or at school functions, based on their actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, or gender. Research says one out of every four teen-agers are harassed or bullied. Nine out of ten lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender students experience harassment at school or online. As many as 160,000 students stay home on any given day because they’re afraid of being bullied. If any Owego-Apalachin students should encounter or witness bullying, they are encouraged to talk to the school Principal or Assistant Principal. More information is available online at oacsd.org.
