write an interesting and objective news story based on this information coming from the Pasadena Unified School District and add important background about Unity Day, plus advise on how to join in celebrating this important event: The Pasadena Unified School District is joining the nationwide celebration of Unity Day on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18. The school district is encouraging the local community to WEAR AND SHARE ORANGE and to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying.

Unity Day, the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month (observed in the United States on third or fourth Wednesday of October, has been recognized in the United States since 2011. To participate in Unity Day, individuals, schools, communities, and businesses wear or share orange to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to prevent students being bullied. 

One in five school-age children report being bullied at school, recent research showed.

According to the Indicators of School Crime and Safety, published in 2019 by the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice, and the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of students aged 12 to 18 in the U.S.  experience bullying. Students who are bullied believe that those who bully them have the power to influence other students’ perceptions, have more social influence, are physically stronger or larger, and have more money. 

The same reports said 19% of students in grades 9 to 12 nationwide report being bullied on school property in the past year. Approximately 46% of students aged 12 to 18 who were bullied during the school year told an adult at school about it.

Unity Day was started in Minnesota by PACER, the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Education Rights center, an organization which has been around since the late 1970s. 

PACER now operates a National Bullying Prevention Center, which was founded in 2006. The Center actively leads social change to prevent childhood bullying, so that all youth are safe and supported in their schools, communities and online. 

PACER provides innovative resources for students, parents, educators, and others, and recognizes bullying as a serious community issue that impacts education, physical and emotional health, and the safety and well-being of students.

Specifically, PACER's Goals are to Promote a shared conversation and response to bullying in which everyone works together responsibly and collaboratively to create safe environments for students; Inspire entire communities to get involved with social change and promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion
Offer classroom activities, toolkits, and lesson plans for educators; Provide informative guides for parents to understand the dynamics of bullying, help their children through bullying situations, and learn how to communicate with school staff; Educate students with age-appropriate resources and information to manage bullying situations, be supportive of their peers, and take action to prevent bullying in their school, community, and online; and Create school-wide opportunities to address bullying, including National Bullying Prevention Month in October and Unity Day.

"PACER is supportive of all persons who desire to be free and safe in their own communities," a statement on PACER's website says. "We are aware of the history of racism and social injustice in this country that needs to be changed. The tragic death of Mr. Floyd has highlighted the injustices in Minnesota and our country. We know that Black children and their families experience significant disparities in education, health, housing, and the justice system. We will work to ensure just systems for all families. We can do better." 

How to show support or to join Unity Day: 

Unity Tree
Plant a ‘seed’ of unity in schools and communities to create social change. The Unity Tree is an interactive and creative activity in which everyone can participate. It is a powerful and visual experience for students and individuals to learn the importance of preventing bullying for all students. Visit https://www.pacer.org/bullying/classroom/schoolwide/unity-tree.asp. 


Project Connect
Create a visual UNITY statement! In Project Connect, students write a message on an ORANGE strip of paper. The paper links are then connected to create one long chain to visually represent uniting for a common cause. Visit https://www.pacer.org/bullying/classroom/schoolwide/project-connect.asp. 

Unity Messages
Tie orange unity ribbons to lockers, fences, or walls to create a visual reminder. Another option is to spell out a powerful message with the connected ribbons.


Unity Focal Point
Designate an iconic location in your school or grounds, such a bulletin board, tree or bench, and decorate it in orange. One idea is to add painted rocks with inspiring messages creating a visual which lasts all year.


Unity Parade
Invite all students to participate in a Unity Parade. Provide materials to create banners, posters and signs that students can carry with message of united for kindness, inclusion and acceptance. Recognize those that participate! Ideas include taking a group photo and framing it for the classroom or school office. Provide each student with an orange incentive, such as a ribbon or treat.


Unity Murals
Create a mural that is symbolic of unity. The mural could be photos of students along with a short statement from each student about why important to be unite. Or each student could draw a picture, write a poem or story that depicts the importance of kindness, acceptance and inclusion.

For more information on how to join in celebrating Unity Day, visit https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-day.asp.