Elizabeth Middle School
Community Newsletter
September 15, 2023
Nationally renowned guest speaker Brooks Gibbs coming to ESD!
Brooks Gibbs Assembly on September 28 at 2:00pm
Dr. Brooks Gibbs, a social psychologist and passionate advocate for resilience education over the past 20 years, has presented to students more than 2,500 times across the country. In his speeches and numerous viral videos, which have been viewed more than 300 million times, Gibbs teaches young people how to redefine what bullying means, gain tools to address negative behavior directed toward them, and live by the Golden Rule. He will also provide awareness training for staff.
A summary of a young adults’ focus group explained bullying’s effects this way:
“Being bullied makes young people incredibly insecure: When you're being bullied, you can feel constantly insecure and on guard. Even if you're not actively being bullied, you're aware it could start anytime. It has a big mental and emotional impact—you feel unaccepted, isolated, angry, and withdrawn. You're always wondering how you can do better and how you can escape a bully's notice. You're also stunted because of the constant tension and because maybe you forgo making certain friendships or miss out on taking certain chances that could actually help your development.”
With those lifelong effects in mind, Gibbs will be the featured speaker at assemblies at all four Elizabeth School District schools Sept. 27 and 28 thanks to a $200,000 Stronger Connections grant the district received from the Colorado Department of Education earlier this year. The grant is also being used for other supports for young people, SRO certification, partnership with Connections for Families, digital-safety and substance-abuse education, and more.
Two parent presentations will be available for any parents who are interested;
- Tuesday, 9/26, 5:30 p.m. - Singing Hills Elementary
- Wednesday, 9/27, 5:30 p.m. - Elizabeth Middle School