"Sticks And Stones" Performance On Bullying Gets Two Thumbs Up F - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - All week long - the Indian River School District is attacking the subject of bullying, but with a different approach.

They have invited musical performer and Grammy nominee, Lyle Cogen. Her interactive performance, "Sticks and Stones", gets students engaged and comfortable talking about bullying.

Dozens of hands went up, when Cogen asked, "Raise your hand if you know one kid that's a bully".

The mother of two says she has faced some challenges as a parent, and dissects what she feels is the definition of a bully.

"One time of meanness is a mistake, two times of meanness is being obnoxious, but if you're mean to somebody three times that's three strikes your out. That means it's being done over and over again," said Cogen.

Some adults often wonder, the difference between a bully today and a bully 10 or 20 years ago. Cogen says it's technology, because most kids have 24 hour access to either cell phones or computers. That's why school officials say parents need to continue this education at home.

"I think even as parents we need to know what this really means and what this doesn't mean. For example, just being proactive, as opposed to reactive, and always having those conversations with your child about dealing with things," said Indian River School District's Literacy Coach, Heather Cramer.

All students and teachers, K through 12, are taking part in this. School officials say many teachers plan to use the lessons Lyle shares this week, inside the classrooms.

Upcoming times this week:

Tuesday, Oct 16. - Sussex Central High School, 9:00-9:45 a.m. and 1:00-1:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 17 - Southern Delaware School of the Arts , 9:00-9:45 a.m. and 1:00-1:45 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 19 - John M. Clayton School, 9:00-9:45 a.m. and 1:00-1:45 p.m.

If you would like to contact Lyle Cogen personally, you can find her information here: http://www.lylecogen.com/