AntiBullying Presentation Set for Hamlin Elementary School



In an effort to start the new school year with a positive message, Hamlin Elementary School PTA President, Sharon Giombetti has contracted authors and entertainers, Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis to present a special assembly for their students. Gatto and De Angelis will perform Milton's Dilemma and the Consequences of Bullying on Thursday, September 15, 2005 during regular school hours.

Based on their book, MILTON'S DILEMMA, this husband and wife creative team tell the tale of a lonely boy's struggles with the school bullies and provide an entertaining, yet thorough-provoking platform for educators to build upon. With a dramatic reading, guitar playing and original songs, Gatto and De Angelis explain the consequences of bullying and encourage children to come forward to report such incidences. They also share real life experiences and explain the events that led them to pen this tale.

Research shows that over 75% of today's youth will be exposed to some aspect of bullying before they reach high school. For a child repeatedly victimized by a bully, humiliation, fear, anxiety, and depression are constant companions that can lead to harmful, shocking and unexpected behavior from an otherwise shy and timid child. Victims may feel ashamed and tend to view themselves as failures. They are more prone to stress related illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches. In extreme cases, the victim of a bully can experience sever depression and entertain thoughts of suicide.

Gatto and De Angelis have a unique approach to the standard author visit. Each school receives a lesson plan prior to the assembly. Their goal is to foster literacy and inspire creativity while providing children with an understanding of their rights to a safe and healthy learning environment. The projects and worksheets they created focus on kindness, friendship and individuality and stress artistic endeavors as a means to build confidence and self-esteem. But these children's advocates don't leave the students when the presentation is over. Gatto and De Angelis continue to be available through their new venture, AuthorPal, a modern-day version of a pen pal correspondence via e-mail.

"Often times, a child is alone in their suffering, simply too embarrassed to speak up. Sadly, there are also times when adults are too busy to listen. We want to be that extra pair of ears and open arms. We encourage students to turn to us whenever they need someone to talk to. The easies way is through e-mail. However, if we receive correspondence of a more serious nature, we pick up the phone immediately and contact the school principal or guidance department for intervention," Gatto said.

With the generosity of the Hamlin Lake PTA, students will receive a free personal cassette player with the purchase of an autographed copy of MILTON'S DILEMMA and audiocassette. For more information, visit the web at Joyful Productions, www.joyfulproductions.com. The authors/screenwriters are available for interviews and presentations and are especially interested in participating in fundraisers for the benefit of children. They can be reached by calling 570-226-2037.





AntiBullying Presentation Set for Hamlin Elementary School