Northwestern Lehigh School District has taken proactive steps to curb bullying.

Efforts this year have focused on raising awareness about bullying and cyberbullying with students and parents.

In partnership with the Northwestern Lehigh Education Foundation, John Halligan, international speaker and author will conduct student presentations at the high school and middle school on Feb. 19 ?for students.

In addition to the student presentations, Halligan will offer a parent presentation at the middle school 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 19.

Parents are invited to attend this assembly.

Halligan will discuss his own tragic experience as a dad whose 13-year-old son took his own life in 2003, after being bullied by his peers since the fifth grade, both in school and online.

Halligan will also discuss how Ryan wrestled with underlying mental health issues and depression and that these factors contributed to his vulnerability and ultimate suicide.

His presentation will begin with a short video collection of home movie clips and still pictures of Ryan.

He will then tell the story of Ryan’s life and the factors that led up to his son’s suicide.

Go to RyansStory.org? for more information.

Because of the sensitive nature of the topic, if parents prefer their child not attend this presentation, send a written note or email to Middle School Principal Bill Dovico at ?dovicow@nwlehighsd.org? or High School Principal Aileen Yadush at ?yadusha@nwlehighsd.org? on or before Feb. 14.

For more information, call Dovico or Yadush at 610-298-8661.