October was National Anti-Bullying Month, and this year, RePublic High School used the week to affirm a central message for scholars: inclusion matters, and school should always be a safe place.
Many families send their scholars to school to learn, love, and belong. At RePublic High School, the sense of belonging is alive and well, as our leaders celebrated a safe and loving environment not just for October, but also focused on sustaining ways to live out our vision.
Throughout the week of October 20th–24th, RHS students and staff came together through themed days designed to build belonging, celebrate individuality, and remind scholars that they are never alone. Each morning, student leaders shared personal reflections on the announcements about what standing up against bullying looks like in practice — from looking out for classmates to using their voices to uplift others.
“Bullying often happens because people struggle to name how they are feeling,” shared Ki’Ron Sickles-Tedford, School Operations Manager, who helped spearhead the initiative. “Practicing inclusivity is important to me; making sure everyone feels like they have a voice. They matter, they’re appreciated, and they’re treated equally here at RHS. We are unified, and better together.”
The week’s events emphasized that when scholars feel seen and supported, school becomes a place where they can thrive academically and emotionally. Sickles-Tedford also reminded scholars that bullying can sometimes stem from stressors students face behind the scenes, such as academic pressure, home challenges, or self-doubt, making compassion and connection even more critical.
Tynasia Rush, RHS College and Career Access Coordinator, added a personal perspective on why this work matters:
“As someone who was bullied in elementary and middle school, kids must have a safe place. Oftentimes, they don’t know they can go to an adult, so we wanted them to know they can come to any of us.”
The RHS team also invited Officer Bennett from the Metro Nashville Police Department to speak with the freshman class about recognizing bullying early and creating a culture of safety from day one. As the newest students in the building, leaders wanted ninth graders to build a foundation of empathy and courage that would grow with them through high school.
Highlights from the Week
- Mix & Match Day — celebrating individuality and being proud of what makes each scholar unique
- Twin Day — teaming up with a peer or staff member to represent unity
- Wear Blue or Pink Day — raising awareness for anti-bullying and breast cancer
- Superhero Day — dressing like a hero to remind students they can be one for others
- Pajama Day — symbolizing that RHS is a “safe space,” just like home
At RePublic High School, building an anti-bullying culture isn’t just a one-week initiative — it’s a commitment. By centering belonging, voice, and inclusion, RHS continues to create an environment where every scholar feels safe, valued, and heard.
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