Nanticoke Hosting Seminar Against School Violence Tonight

Nanticoke, Luzerne County-- Another local district is taking steps to stop the violence in area schools.

A comprehensive seminar is slated for tonight in the Greater Nanticoke Area School District.

Four teen suicides over the past few weeks in Luzerne County have prompted calls by parents for more action from school leaders.

That helped spawn tonight's effort, to which the entire community is invited.

As students scurry from one class to another Thursday morning, Nanticoke Area High School Principal John Gorham hopes a seminar against school violence, bullying, and teen suicide will prove effective.

Gorham noted, "We're going to have a short 20-30 minute video called 'Teen Truth Live,' which is a world-renowned video on school violence. There's some live video footage from school violence that has occurred in our nation. It's a very powerful video."

Parents we spoke with say bullying is prevalent in all schools, and they're glad that topic and others are being addressed.

Parent Kim Bonney, of Mocanaqua, said, "I absolutely think it's a good idea. There are so many students that need someone to talk to."

At this seminar, we're told a psychologist, school guidance counselors, and other experts will be on-hand to answer questions from parents, students, and the community.

Bonney continued, "If everybody works together and really tries hard, I think we could stop it. But, students have to know that it's just not right."

Principal Gorham says he believes students are already getting the message-- and jumping on the bandwagon to help put a stop to the trend.

He added, "You know, they're really active in student activities right now, and they want to do things. We're just trying to get a hold of everything and plan out the year, and then next year I think we're going to have a lot of things in place."

That seminar against school violence begins at 7PM in the Nanticoke Area High School auditorium.

It is free and open to the public.