REGISTER NOW FOR THE HUDDLE UP BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM

The Argos Foundation, the Toronto Argonauts, Tim Hortons and the Canadian Safe School Network are proud to offer the Huddle Up Bullying Prevention School Program to schools in the Greater Toronto Area.

Introduction
 
The Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program is the benchmark in-school anti-bullying program.  The program sees Toronto Argonauts Players, Cheerleaders, program staff and the Canadian Safe Schools Network work together to make all schools safe places.  The Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program celebrated its 10th anniversary in September of 2010 and is continuing to grow in popularity.  The program is an all encompassing opportunity for a school population to focus on the impact they can have on bullying in their own environment.  The message is focused to include information for both targets and bystanders, so awareness and action can develop prior to situations turning negative.  As a result, the program is multi-faceted, and committed to conveying the key messages necessary to assist youth and empower them to take action towards preventing bullying in their schools. 

Program Components
 
Huddle Up Leadership Committee Meeting
Suggested Meeting Dates: September-January
Meeting Length: 45- 50 minutes
Overview: Argos representatives empower members of your Huddle Up Student Committee.  Prior to arriving at the school for the assembly, a Huddle Up team member meets with a school administrator and the chosen committee of 10 students. 
 
The Huddle Up Student Committee is made up of student leaders (i.e. members of sports teams), as well as students who have previous experience with bullying and being bullied. In elementary schools, these students range from grades 3-8.  A member of the Huddle Up team gives the chosen 10 students guidance to create in-school initiatives that enhance the Huddle Up message prior, during, and after the actual presentation. Staff advisors are given a set of guidelines to assist them through this process. 
 
Huddle Up School Assembly
Suggested Assembly Dates: January-April
Assembly Length: 45 – 60 minutes
Overview: The assembly involves the participation of the Argos player, staff member and most importantly, the students. The format of the assembly is designed to provide students with bullying awareness and the necessary tools to deal with the issue through powerful testimony and the encouragement of positive choices.

Huddle Up Student Symposium
Symposium Date: May (Information will be sent in March-April)
Timeline: Full morning (9am – 1pm)
Overview: A culmination of all the committees from carious schools working together and learning from each other while sharing their ideas with players, cheerleaders and other program supporters.

*** Transportation to the Student Summits is not included in the program fee and is the responsibility of each participating school.***
 
Optional Program Components
 
Schools may add the following additional components to their program package for an additional fee;
 
Parent Evening Information/Professional Development Teacher Presentation
In order for the bullying prevention message to be successful at school, students must hear it not only from the Argonauts, but also from their teachers, parents and school administrators.  This message must be consistent everywhere. Schools have the option to host a bullying prevention information session with a Huddle Up representative and a guest speaker. This session educates community members in regards to how to identify and protect young people from violence, as well as provides tips on cyber bullying and safety.  In addition, the parents, teachers and administrators are made aware of the messaging that their students receive.

Female Bullying Information Session with the Argonauts Cheerleaders
Bullying occurs in all shapes, sizes and genders. Therefore as an added option to the regular messaging, the Argos are proud to offer schools an additional angle to the anti-bullying message. Schools have the option to utilize a member of the Cheerleading team or alumni cheerleaders to convey the message of anti-bullying. This presentation takes the form of a small-scale forum for girl’s phys-ed classes and/or female sports teams.
 
Additional Assembly
Schools with large student populations, or smaller auditorium/gyms, may decide to hold two Huddle Up Assemblies, in order to reach their entire student base.  Additional assemblies are available, and provide an opportunity to tailor the message further between the age range of students attending.

Contact Us
 
For more information on the Huddle Up Program, contact us! 
Erin Schneider – Program Coordinator
Phone: 416-341-2762
Email: huddleup@argonauts.ca.