Five 6th-graders from Woodbury Elementary School (WES) have worked with me and Jackie Batten (WGDR training coordinator) to produce this special program about bullying. The kids examine and discuss why bullies bully, the difference between bullying and teasing "or kidding around," danger signs and zones, and how to be safe at school and on the school bus.

Interviewers Dylan Burke and Owen Charleston, audio editor Kate Gallant, producer Xavier Hart Marion, and director Mac Lanphear have created timely and valuable public-service programming for both kids and adults.

While consumer-celebrity pop culture generates unrealistic and inappropriate behavior models for children, listeners will hear a common thread woven throughout the kids' narratives and discussions---children look to parents and teachers to protect them.

As director of the Woodbury Community Library, a small rural library and community resource shared by the WES---and the greater Woodbury community, the origins of the project grew out of brainstorming how better to connect our community, school, and library. Any doubts about the project evaporated once I met with this amazing group of students. They are witty, kind, thoughtful, empathetic, honest, and very very capable!!

In addition to working with WGDR's Jackie Batten, the kids learned about principles of broadcasting, the history of radio, and the social and cultural importance of radio broadcasting. Dylan, Mac, Kate, Owen, and Xavier trained on state-of-the-art recording and broadcast equipment, worked pre- and post-production, were introduced and quickly mastered audio editing software, and worked together as a team, discussing and deciding how to create a show that would have meaning and value.

I want to thank all who helped out in this venture, in particular: Noreen Slavin, administrator at WES, Mollie Dawson, the 5th and 6th grade teacher at WES, Amy Masse, principal and instructional leader of WES, Heather Lanphear, a parent extraordinaire, most efficient student transportation maven and trustee of the Woodbury Community Library, and from WGDR, the most terrific Jackie Batten, programmer Jeff Lindholm (Geezer Rock) who graciously shared studio time with the students, and operations manager David Ferland, who keeps it all running like a well-oiled machine.

So gather the family around the radio this afternoon and tune in to WGDR's Woman-Stirred Radio and help celebrate the great work these smart, astute, thoughtful, and fun-loving students will share with you. Our phone lines will be open for comments and questions so don't be shy. 802 454-7762 or email merrygangemi@gmail.com.

Town of Plainfield Select Board Meeting

Jan 27, 2025, 6 to 8 PM

Swing Dance Highland Center for the Arts

Jan 31, 2025, 6 to 8 PM

Montpelier Farmers Market

Feb 1, 2025, 10 AM to 1 PM