At December's Board meeting, Superintendent Cook had the honor of presenting the Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award to an 8th grader from Cascade Middle School. Video here

This fall, our transportation department was contacted by the parent of a student who was the target of a bullying incident on the bus. The parent shared that, fortunately, an 8th grader intervened to help. Alli Campbell chose to bravely step in and call the students to account in an effort to end the bullying.

Assistant Director of Transportation Tina Bandy said, “I was impressed to see the way in which Alli interrupted the harassment. She saw what was happening and without hesitation stepped in. I watch a LOT of video, and this was the most impressive response I have ever seen from a student. She did it without belittling the offenders or drawing attention to the victim.”

When administrators at Cascade congratulated Alli on her mature and upstanding behavior, Alli responded that she simply was doing what she knew was right. Cascade Dean of Students Leah Boon said, “Cascade Middle School is so proud of Alli, and we consider ourselves so lucky to have watched her continue to grow and shine in her years at CMS!”

"In recognition of your courage and strength in standing up for your fellow students. When you interrupted a bullying incident on your bus ride, you protected your peers and challenged the offenders to repair and change their behavior. Thanks to your actions, your community is safer and better able to thrive. Bend-La Pine Schools is proud to honor you with the Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award."

Alli reminds us that we all have the ability to step in and interrupt bullying. For those who feel, in the moment, that it is unsafe to intervene, there are other options. The SafeOregon tip line is an online avenue for anonymous reporting. Go to safeoregon.com on the web. Students can find SafeOregon on their iPads through the First Step app. YouthLine is also available as a teen-to-teen help line that offers reporting and support via phone, text, chat, and email.

These and other resources can be found at bls.fyi/SafetyResources.