USS Theodore Roosevelt Sailors Mentor Elementary School Students

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sandra Pimental, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sailors partnered with Campostella Elementary School staff during an assembly, Feb. 17, in Norfolk, Va., to address bullying in schools.

In attendance were students and Sailors who participated in an interactive video and judging panel.

"The children are our future," said Cmdr. Richard D. Jones, USS Theodore Roosevelt Air Department assistant air officer. "Interacting and sharing the information with them while they are young is everyone's responsibility."

The goal of the assembly was to educate children in the different ways to handle a bully situation, and the effects it can have on a child.

"TR and Campostella have had a long standing relationship," said Jones. "Our participation helps bring the Navy and the Norfolk County School system together."

The videos showed four different scenarios in which Sailors played both the bullies and the victims. During the video, Jones addressed the students and Sailors as to whether the scenarios presented were in fact bullying or horseplay. This allowed for students to ask questions and give feedback on personal situations where bullying was present.

"It was good to learn how bullying could affect you," said Angellee Hayes, a fifth grader at Campostella. "I liked the video and was happy the Sailors came; they made it fun."

One Sailor, who was depicted as both the victim and the bully, felt proud to help in the making of the video.

"I think that having this kind of learning for the children so young is great," said Yeoman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Sheena Taylor. "It helps them become comfortable enough to talk to an adult when something happens."

"If you are being bullied you should tell someone," said Hayes. "Children should never feel helpless. They need to know that they can go to anyone they trust, a parent, teacher or even the janitor."

Norfolk Public School District Superintendent, Dr. Richard Bentley, and Campostella's principal, Dr. Laguna Foster, said they the program will filter to neighboring schools, and throughout the school system itself.

"I appreciate the Navy being present," said Bentley. "My son is in the military, and I know how important service is."

Bullying has become a national issue. This is one way TR is attempting to reach out to the community and help alleviate the problem.

TR is currently undergoing a 39-month Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va.