NEW BERLIN – The Unadilla Valley Middle school has developed a new anti-bullying campaign focusing on the education of their students as opposed to punishment.

Members of the bullying committee will give a presentation at the UV open house at 6 p.m. Thursday.

“We wanted to make sure it was a positive message,” said committee member Karen Ramirez. “We’re focusing on education to prevent bullying from happening.”

The program began last March when Ramirez and other teachers noticed a problem with bullying in the school.

The original program, the Bully-Free Zone, was changed this year to UV Heroes, which Ramirez said works with the positive message standpoint. The idea of the Heroes program, according to Ramirez, is to give students a chance to stand up for themselves and others.

“It’s kids watching out for other kids,” said Laurie Peterson.