UPDATE: The Evangeline Project Gains Momentum with Key Germantown Leaders on Board!

The Evangeline Project is gaining incredible momentum, capturing the attention of a Germantown city leader and another leader on the school board. Tony Salvaggio, an Alderman in Germantown, is not just supporting the initiative—he's championing it. With his expertise in lobbying for change, he's helping to drive the project forward. His support goes beyond endorsement; he truly believes in the mission. I can't wait to see how far The Evangeline Project will go! Thank you all for your support! 

About Anti-Bullying Measures:

Part 1: I've witnessed firsthand the learning environment at Houston Middle School, with my four children having been or soon to be part of this educational institution. There remains a persistent problem—bullying. We aren't pointing fingers at specific children or staff, acknowledging that this is a broader issue requiring community-wide intervention. This creates an overwhelming need for funding to recruit specialized staff that promotes a safe and developmental atmosphere. (No donations are needed at this time, just signatures.)

Schools nationwide report that about 20% of students aged 12-18 experienced bullying (National Center for Education Statistics, 2016). Is our school part of this statistic? Let's change that narrative. To do this, we propose an innovative approach of equipping HMS with adequate support staff.

Our goal is simple: to petition the Germantown School Board and City Officials for additional funds designated for Houston Middle School to address these issues. Mrs. Davis and her staff care about our students. I have seen this firsthand. This is our chance to support her and our children's teachers in building a safer, more empowering educational environment—one that nurtures future leaders who uphold our American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and who embrace the cultural mission of creating a better world.

Please support our children and our future by signing this petition.

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Part 2:  Student Empowerment:

Would you like to see this at HMS?

The Evangeline Project is to honor my daughter, who was severely bullied, by offering service opportunities to schools for empowering students to turn their attention to the needs of others (i.e., raising funds for Make-A-Wish or St. Jude; collecting backpacks full of supplies for schools in need; hosting intramurals with other middle schools; yardwork for Germantown elderly; and more!). Research shows that community engagement and social-emotional learning (SEL) programs significantly reduce bullying behavior in children. School-based programs like Positive Action have reported a 41% reduction in bullying, while Playworks, which fosters structured play and social skills, has improved school climates and reduced bullying incidents. Additionally, initiatives like Stand For Courage empower students to intervene in bullying situations, leading to measurable declines in victimization. Meta-analyses confirm that SEL programs enhance empathy, emotional regulation, and prosocial behavior, all contributing to bullying prevention.