Officials Give 'No Name Calling' Day Thumbs Up

A new push for anti-bullying in Massachusetts will come this week, when high schools throughout the state will recognize Wednesday, Jan. 25, as "No Name Calling Day."

The themed day was recently designated by Gov. Deval Patrick, and while Westwood has no immediate plans to coordinate special programs for the day, officials said the designated day is is encouraging.

"As of right now we don't have any major plans focused on that day, but that said I'm sure we'll acknowledge it," Westwood Superintendent of Schools John Antonucci said.

No Name Calling day is a provision of the state's anti-bullying legislation, and will be recognized in classrooms throughout the Commonwealth. Students are also being encouraged to wear black as a sign of their commitment to "black out bullying."

"In my role as Governor and as a father of two daughters, I firmly believe that every child should come to school knowing that they are safe and free from bullying," Gov. Patrick said in a recent statement.

While there are no specific plans in place to officially recognize the day, Westwood has not turned its back on anti-bullying. The district has done its part to encourage its anti-bullying policy, from officially approving its , to last fall.

An was also held last spring.

"I think the positive thing about days like this is that it helps carry on the conversation about anti-bullying and treating people respectfully," Antonucci said. "So, to that extent it contributes to that we're already doing."

Students are also being encouraged to wear black tee shirts on Jan. 25 to help encourage an effort to "Black Out Bullying" as well.