Jackson students plan to watch anti-bullying movie

More than 6,000 Jackson County students will watch "Bully, The Movie" at The Michigan Theater later this month as part of a countywide effort by schools and the community to address a key social issue that most children face every day. The countywide showing of the movie is part of a comprehensive bully prevention program initiated this fall by school and community officials. ''This is a powerful movie, hard-hitting, and direct,'' said Steve Sukta, coordinated school health consultant for the Jackson County Intermediate School District. ''It is not a stand-alone movie and requires preparation and follow-up by individual schools. Parents should also be aware their child will be watching this movie.'' Organizers are sending information to homes of students who attend class in the nine middle schools and 16 high schools that will bus students to watch the movie Feb. 20-March 1. The documentary follows families of five students who have been bullied by their peers. ''The movie brings the cruelties of bullying into striking reality by taking a look at the harsh world of bullied children,'' said Steve Tucker, executive director of The Michigan Theatre and a former teacher. The Michigan Theatre is donating the cost of renting the movie and providing use of the theater at no charge. Sponsors of the event include The Protection Center, the Alvin L. Glick Foundation, Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc. (MACI), and EECU - A Community Credit Union. Published: Mon, Feb 11, 2013