John Halligan Bullying/Cyberbullying Parent Presentation
Monday, March 15, 2010
7:00PM - 8:30PM
February 3, 2010
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Cape Cod Regional Technical High School has implemented a comprehensive bullying prevention program. We are committed to taking serious, proactive steps to curb a problem that is found in schools everywhere. Our efforts this year have focused on raising awareness about bullying and cyber bullying with students and parents.
We have recruited Mr. John Halligan to conduct a parent presentation on
Monday, March 15, 2010 at 7 PM and a student presentation on
Tuesday, March 16, 2010. He will relay his own tragic experience as a Dad whose 13 year old son took his own life in 2003, after incessant bullying by peers since the 5th grade, both in school and online. His story is riveting and powerful, and reminds students that there is a face, a person, a heart, on the other end of the computer screen.
His presentation will begin with a short video collection of home movie clips and still pictures of Ryan. John will then begin to tell the story of Ryan and the factors that led up to his son’s suicide. The students will gain a perspective from inside a family of a child who is a victim of bullying and cyber bullying. They will also gain awareness about the signs and risk of teenage suicide and how best to help a friend. As part of Mr. Halligan’s presentation, students will have the chance to ask him questions. We encourage you to visit a website named for his son: www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org for more information.
Because of the sensitive nature of the topic, we wanted to inform you about it in advance. We encourage you to ask your child about the presentation and discuss it together. If for any reason, you would prefer that your child not attend this presentation, please send a written note to Mrs. Maxwell prior to March 16, 2010.
Should you have further questions, please feel free to contact us at 508-432-4500 ext. 252 or pmaxwell@capetech.us.
Sincerely,
Paula B. Maxwell
Dean of Students