By Gina Martinez
Vallo Transportation, a school bus company based in Whitestone, is promoting its fourth annual “No Bullying Zone” campaign with supplies reminding children to be kind to one another.
The anti-bullying campaign includes distribution of special bookmarks and silicone wristbands that have anti bullying slogans asking kids to pledge to respect each other, refrain from bullying behavior and speak up to help a classmate if he or she is being bullied. The supplies were distributed in front of schools last week and students were also able to ask their bus driver for a bookmark or bracelet if they hadn’t received any. Vallo Transportation has used stopb
City Councilman Paul Vallone (D- Bayside) applauded Vallo Transportation for its initiative to combat bullying.
“Bullying in schools continues to be a serious issue and has damaged, often irrevocably, the lives of so many children and their families,” Vallone said. “Awareness and education are critical tools in addressing the issue.”
Linda DeSabato, president of Vallo Transportation, explains why her company chose the anti bullying initiative.
“As a local school bus company, our mission is first and foremost to keep students safe,” she said. “This campaign reinforces our commitment to safety and demonstrates our efforts in creating a supportive school bus climate. Our drivers receive special training annually on this topic to ensure they can properly identify, report and respond to bullying behavior. Additionally, we promote resources throughout the community with the hope that together we can put an end to this unwanted behavior”
Vallone will be at the Bayside BID Children’s Holiday Parade Sunday on Bell Boulevard, where Vallo Transportation will have a table handing out anti-bullying merchandise.
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
