Bullying is nothing new.

Students have been getting their noses shoved in the dirt since before large, urban public schools fully evolved and youths were still taught in one-room school houses.

The techniques may have changed -- it used to just be name calling or maybe a go-round in a bathroom, now bullying can mean malicious text messages and cruel MySpace posts -- but the problem remains the same.

Fortunately, one crucial difference in bullying today is that today teachers, administrators, and parents are far more aware of its existence and how to combat it before it becomes a serious problem.

Rosemary Clarke Middle School, for example, has recently formed an anti-bullying group made up of parents, teachers and administrators.

The program is unique in that it was not started in response to any specific bullying problem, (RCMS didn't have any more than will be found at any school) but focuses primarily on prevention.

"The safer a school is, the more instruction takes," Dough Steward, assistant principal said.

He added that when bullying decreased, attendance increased.

Based on a proactive approach to bullying that focuses on education and prevention, the program has already started in full swing, despite not yet having an official name.

The school is leaving that up to the kids, hosting a contest for naming it.

But the lack of an official moniker has done nothing to stifle the program's going forward.

Kids can already collect key chains and are already hard at work for a school-wide poster contest.

In addition, the education component of the program has been ongoing throughout the school year.

A schoolwide assembly kicked off the year, and since then each grade has been learning about assertiveness training and how to deal with conflict two classes at a time.

The workshops are led by the RCMS counseling center and taught by each grade level's counselors.

Ramona Sanchez, sixth grade counselor, said so far the program has been effective.

"The response has been really positive," Sanchez said. "Even the kids that may have some issues are beginning to understand the other point of view."

Plans are also in the work to integrate the anti-bullying program with the nationally recognized "Peace Week," Nov. 5-9.

Each day of that week students will participate in events and activities that foster tolerance and understanding.

However, the program is still in need of community support, either monetary or even for prizes for contests.

If you would like to contribute or participate in the program, call Sanchez at 775-727-5546, ext. 2100.