By Stephanie Vaccaro, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY The pervasiveness of digital media that has transformed communication has also created another avenue for bullying. This topic is addressed in an educational play, “Cyberbullying IRL: In Real Life,” that will be performed at the Upper Middle School Feb. 9.
”This venture in educational theater is another part of helping our students to see the value in themselves,” said Robert Violette, an Upper Middle teacher. “We are not tackling an existing problem. We are continuing to do our job as we best know how by caring for the complete person.”
”But all of us are also very aware of the darker side of the Internet and peer relationships,” Mr. Violette said. “Kids tease, even adults tease. But the media too often shows how easy it is to make a gentle tease into something far more serious.
”For way too many people the bully’s hurtful action affects their lives for many years to come. We want to show that acts of kindness can have lasting effects too.
”Our goal at Montgomery is for our students and staff to be happy, healthy and safe in a nurturing educational environment. Bill Robbins, our principal, has worked hard with his staff to create a place where every person is valued.”
The arts, Mr. Violette said, paraphrasing a well-known quotation, are a mirror to society.
”Sometimes what we see isn’t so nice. Sometimes what we see is a reality we refuse to carry with us any further. Cyberbullying, indeed any kind of meanness, does not need to be part of our lives. Our students already know this. We are reinforcing the good they know and the good persons they are. As a teacher, I’m hoping that this helps to affect a better life for these young people.”
Interest in the play seems to be substantial as the tickets are going quickly, Mr. Violette said, and discussions are beginning around dinner tables.
”In breakout sessions following the performance, parents and students will have a chance to share their own thoughts and suggestions,” Mr. Violette said. “We will continue at Montgomery Upper Middle School to have discussions on this and other topics to help our students grow into the best persons possible.”
The play, written by R.N. Sandberg, was commissioned by George Street Playhouse through a grant from the New Jersey State Bar Foundation.
The PTA is financially backing the project at the middle school, Mr. Violette said.
”In the past, the PTA has brought many other excellent George Street productions to our students. This is the first time the performance is specifically for the families. I’m hoping that this collaboration with George Street Playhouse will start a discussion at home and in the classroom that will help our students, these wonderful children, to make positive choices for themselves.”
The middle school years are about making choices and exploring possibilities. Part of this process is to consider the consequences of choices good or not so good.”
The show will begin at 7 p.m. in the Upper Middle School auditorium. Admission is free but reservations are required due to limited seating. E-mail reservation requests may be sent to [email protected].

