Ryan's Story
Westwood Regional Middle School has 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 focus on raising awareness about bullying and cyberbullying with students and parents.
We have recruited Mr. John Halligan, an international speaker and author to conduct a presentation on October 22nd for the students. He will relay his own tragic experience as a Dad whose 13-year-old son took his own life in 2003, after peers bullied him since the 5th grade, both in school and online. Mr. Halligan further shares that Ryan wrestled with underlying mental health issues and depression and that these factors contributed to Ryan’s vulnerability and ultimate suicide. His story is riveting and compelling and reminds students that there is a face, a person, a heart, on the other end of the screen.
His presentation will begin with a short video collection of home movie clips and still pictures of Ryan. John will then tell the story of Ryan’s life and the factors that led up to his son’s suicide. The students will gain a perspective from inside the family of a child who is a victim of bullying and cyberbullying. In the wrap-up session, they will receive life-changing lessons about forgiveness, suicide prevention, the role of bystanders and a challenge to apologize to someone. We encourage you to visit a website named for his son: www.RyansStory.org for more information. In addition, parents are encouraged to attend Mr. Halligan’s presentation for parents on October 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Hurley Theater at Westwood Regional High School.
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 email Mrs. LaForgia before Friday, October 18th.
Helping Parents be Successful Partners
PSO Information
Look for an email from Toolkit (formerly My School Anywhere) to setup your Middle School account and pay your dues. Future purchases for swag, activities, and more can be made through this site. You can also sign up to volunteer through this program.
Any Meadow Farms fundraising should have your home address on it. This year all orders will be delivered directly to your home.
Swag orders should be available online next week, stay tuned!
Please visit Box Tops to sign up for e-box tops, no clipping necessary!!
Save the date for our annual Fall Festival, October 23rd (10/24 rain date)!
Save the Date!
- 10/7 - Week of Respect - Wear blue on Monday!
- 10/9 - No School
- 10/16 - Wear Pink to Support Breast Cancer Awareness!
- 10/16 - Dating Abuse & Healthy Relationships Parent Program, 7:00 PM, Jr./Sr. High School
- 10/17 - Board of Education Meeting, 7:30 PM, Jr./Sr. High School
- 10/22 - Ryan's Story Assembly for Students
- 10/22 - Ryan's Story Assembly for Parents, 7:00 PM, Jr./Sr. High School
- 10/23 - Picture Retakes
- 10/23 - Fall Festival, 2:45, Berkeley Field (10/24 rain date)
- 10/28 - Spirit Week!
- 10/30 - PSO Meeting, 9:00 AM
Monday is a "B" day!
WRMS
Email: shelley.laforgia@wwrsd.org
Website: http://www.wwrsd.org/westwoodrms
Location: 23 3rd Ave, Westwood, NJ, United States
Phone: 201-664-5560
