Schools

Early Childhood PTA, Jeff Ellis Hosting Free Anti-Bullying Workshop

Feb. 2 event will focus on peaceful solutions

Every seven minutes a child is bullied and 85 percent of them receive no intervention, according to the office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

The Avon Lake Early Childhood P.T.A. (ALECPTA) is sponsoring a Bully Proofing Your Child workshop for area parents and children, hoping to have an effect on bullying.

Jeff Ellis of who has been an advocate for children for nearly 40 years, will conduct the workshop to help children and parents find simple solutions to this difficult situation.

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“Over the years we have seen many children who have been the target of bullying,” Ellis said. “I have been teaching children for nearly 40 years and with each passing decade the complaints from parents, grandparents and children has increased. It certainly is a concern for many families. Not only has the frequency increased of the conversations about these incidences, they are at earlier ages.”

The free workshop is designed for parents and children K through 6th grade and will include programs for parents and their children separately and a combined parent/child topic.

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Ellis has worked with the ALECPTA for years.

“We have been doing some programs with The Avon Lake Early Childhood PTA for many years with field trips, etc.” Ellis said, who noted the group also hosts a table at Ellis’ Child Safe Community Day Fair.  “When one of their members heard of a bullying program that I had conducted she thought that it would be great idea to sponsor a bully proofing your child workshop in Avon Lake.”

The program, set for Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Avon Lake Old Firehouse Community Center at Avon Belden and Lake roads, will host two sessions. The first, for children and parents grades K-2 will meet from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Parents and children grades 3 - 6 will meet from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

“I hear about situations involving a children being bullied at 5 years old,” Ellis said. “I have devoted myself to helping children develop self-confidence in order to face the challenges growing up”.

He said he has also see so much change in society with technology, etc.

“There is a greater boldness on the part of the persons who bully and more aggressive and sometimes destructive,” Ellis said. “We will be discussing ways to solve this issue for a child with the emphasis of finding peaceful solutions.
This is not a self-defense seminar. There will be some fun interaction portions to the workshop and refreshments too.”

Refreshments will be provided.

How to register

Spaces are limited it is recommended to register early. I

Register Online at www.bullyproofingyourchild.com or fax completed registration to 440 238-8979, or drop them off at International Karate Center. 

For further information or a registration form contact Jeff Ellis at 440 930-2530.


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