Barnegat School Counselor Wins Anti-Bullying Award

BARNEGAT, NJ — Jennifer Blanchard, a school counselor and anti-bullying specialist at Joseph T. Donahue Elementary School, received the HIBster Anti-Bullying Software Counselor of the Year award during an April 14 ceremony at the school. Barnegat Township School District administrators and fourth-grade student leaders from JTDS's No Place for Hate initiative surprised her with the honor.

According to the district, Blanchard was recognized for making a difference for students, families and staff through work aimed at making the school safer and more supportive. The district said she was nominated by Mary Cammarata, Barnegat Township School District's district supervisor of guidance.

“I feel very honored to be recognized with this award, and I am grateful to all the amazing staff at JTDS who help make our school a better place every day,” Blanchard said. “This award is not just a result of my hard work, but also a reflection of our staff and the passion we all share for our school.”

Blanchard helps lead JTDS's No Place for Hate initiative, which the district described as a national program supported by the Anti-Defamation League. The student-led school climate improvement program is intended to unite the school community and stand up against bullying. The district said the program includes a schoolwide pledge, a student and staff committee, and activities during the year focused on school climate and bullying prevention.

Blanchard also wrote a song for the effort, “Donahue is No Place for Hate,” according to the district. She also teaches practices tied to JTDS's behavior expectations, R.O.A.R., which stands for Respect, Ownership, Ambition, and Responsibility. The district said students can receive “Tiger Tickets” during the week for showing those traits and may then have a chance to win a prize on Fridays.

“I believe the positive impact of this type of education is that it promotes the development of the whole child,” Blanchard said. “When children learn social emotional skills, they can effectively manage challenges, resolve conflicts, and regulate their emotions, which is the foundation for success in other areas of life. We will continue to bring our passion for helping children to the forefront and strive to make JTDS a safe, welcoming, successful space where all students can learn and grow together.”

Principal Regina Santolla said Blanchard works with students on ways to prevent bullying and build a more welcoming environment.

Superintendent Brian Latwis said the district is proud of Blanchard and credited her with helping members of the school community feel valued, seen and supported.

HIBster Anti-Bullying Software, created by Educational Development Software, serves more than 3,000 schools nationwide, according to the district.