Rome student on bullying: 'I feel like I'm not safe'

By KESHIA CLUKEY

[email protected]

ROME - Sixth-grader Taylor Fulgieri said she has been bullied for two years.

"I've been called names that I cannot repeat and also have been threatened to get jumped and killed," the 11-year-old told the Rome school board Wednesday night. "When I go to school each day I feel like I'm not safe. … I'm very glad the year is almost over."

Blue anti-bullying bracelets were handed out at the door to the Lyndon H. Strough Middle School auditorium and students, parents and teachers spoke to the board asking one thing - to take action against bullying.

Bullying legislation known as the Dignity for All Students Act took effect July 1. Since then, area school districts have increased their programming and reporting of bullying issues. The law requires each school to have one person trained to handle issues regarding students being harassed over race, weight, national origin, ethnic group or other characteristics protected by law. It further requires districts to develop guidelines in training programs

High school teacher Maria Fulgieri, who is related to bullying victim Taylor Fulgieri, said bullying is a daily issue.

"It's not just student to student, it's student to teacher," she said. "We have kids that are just plain scared to go to school."

Michele Grifasi said her high school-aged daughter tried to take her own life because of bullying.

"Parents feel helpless, their concerns and fears fall on deaf ears day after day," she said.

School board President Patricia Riedel said the board is aware of the problems.

"The board will take very seriously everything we have been told this evening," she said.