H-E-B Buddy League encourages students to “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully”
H-E-B Buddy League encourages students to “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully”

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and H-E-B invites Texas students to join the H-E-B Buddy League, challenging them to “Be a Buddy, Not a Bully.” Inspired by H-E-B’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the effort promotes kindness and respect and discourages harmful behaviors such as teasing, exclusion and bullying.

In its fourth year, the H-E-B Buddy League kicked off a statewide tour of the H-E-B Buddy League Training Academy. Using song and animation, the live show takes students through five training tasks that demonstrate bullying behaviors and show ways to stand up to bullying and promote unity. The live performance hit the road and will stop at nearly 30 elementary schools across Texas throughout the month.

Here’s what some educators from around the state are saying about H-E-B Buddy League:

“The students were awestruck with the show,” said Leonor Delgado, counselor at Frank Madla Elementary School in San Antonio. “The show had their complete attention. The children were so into the message of not bullying that it made a difference in how they treated each other throughout the school year”.

“It was a very high impact show and the students thoroughly enjoyed the show,” said Troy T. Whittemore, counselor at Garza Elementary School in Brownsville. “As a guidance counselor I was able to provide lessons from the information packet provided prior to the show…Very helpful!”

“We LOVED the Buddy League presentation,” said Brenda Barajas, counselor at Freedom Elementary in San Antonio. “It was not only relevant, but so entertaining. Our kids loved it and have been asking if we will have it again this year.” 

Additionally, H-E-Buddy and H-E-B Partners (employees) will visit first-grade through third-grade classrooms at more than 300 schools to engage students in a variety of anti-bullying activities and conversations. Teachers will receive an H-E-B Buddy League Kit filled with bilingual materials to continue the dialogue of kindness and inclusion. For schools not scheduled for visits, teachers can download a free activity guide paired with an interactive H-E-B Buddy League Training Academy video and order free H-E-B Buddy League Kits here.

Bullying is a widespread issue that can cause negative physical, social and mental-health issues. It’s estimated that between 1 and 4 and 1 in 3 students has been bullied at school with many more experiencing cyber bullying, according to the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics. Children who are bullied more often experience depression, anxiety, and feelings of sadness and loneliness as well as experience lower academic achievement and school participation.

In addition to the presentations and online resources, first-grade through third-grade students are eligible for the H-E-B Buddy League Student Advocate Award, which recognizes children who demonstrate acts of kindness, respect, courage and inclusion. Teachers can nominate students online at heb.com/league now through Feb. 28. Winners will be recognized and receive an H-E-B Buddy League Prize Pack.

“H-E-B is a passionate supporter of education and understands that children are successful and learn best when they have safe learning environments,” said Sonia Quirino Canales, H-E-B Diversity & Inclusion Manager. “Since we launched the program, tens of thousands of Texas elementary students have participated in the H-E-B Buddy League and we hope to reach even more children this year.”

Below is a full schedule of the H-E-B Buddy League Training Academy live performances. For question about H-E-B Buddy League or the live performances, please visit our Contact Us page or email news@heb.com.

Date Showtime School Address
Wednesday, October 2 8:30 a.m. Bryan Elementary 1300 Elm Drive, Mission
Wednesday, October 2 1 & 2 p.m. Donna Wernecke Elementary 4500 Dove Ave, McAllen
Thursday, October 3 8 & 9 a.m. IDEA Alamo Academy 325 E. FM 495., Alamo, TX.
Thursday, October 3 1:30 p.m. Ruben Hinojosa Elementary 500 S. Rio Rico Road, Mercedes
Friday, October 4 9:15 a.m. Treasure Hills Elementary 2525 Haine Dr., Harlingen
Friday, October 4 1:30 p.m. Dr. Cash Elementary 400 Poinciana, San Benito
Tuesday, October 8 1 & 2 p.m. Timber Ridge Elementary 5402 White Rock Dr., Killeen
Wednesday, October 9 8:30 a.m. Henderson Elementary 4800 Graceland Dr, Midland
Wednesday, October 9 1 & 2 p.m. Pease Elementary 1800 W 22nd St, Odessa
Thursday, October 10 8:30 a.m. Wilemon STEAM Academy 600 W. Second St. Waxahachie
Thursday, October 10 1:30 p.m. Crestview Elementary 1120 New Road,Waco
Friday, October 11 8:30 a.m. Travis Elementary 1437 Post Road, San Marcos
Tuesday, October 15 1:30 p.m. Francis Elementary 6525 Greens Rd., Humble
Wednesday, October 16 8:30 a.m. Dogan Elementary 4202 Liberty Road, Houston
Wednesday, October 16 12:30 & 1:30 p.m. Benavidez Elementary 6262 Gulfton, Houston
Thursday, October 17 1 & 2 p.m. C G Sivells Elementary 1605 N Alabama Rd, Wharton
Friday, October 18 8:30 a.m. Edna Elementary 400 Apollo Dr., Edna
Friday, October 18 1:45 p.m. Los Encinos Elementary 1921 Dorado St., Corpus Christi
Monday, October 21 1:30 p.m. Ralph Pfluger Elementary 4951 Marsh Lane, Buda
Tuesday, October 22 8:30 & 9:30 a.m. Col Santos Benavides Elementary 10702 Kirby Drive, Laredo
Tuesday, October 22 1:30 p.m. Santo Niño Elementary 2701 Bismark St., Laredo
Wednesday, October 23 8:30 a.m. Harmony Elementary 10625 Green Lake Drive, San Antonio
Wednesday, October 23 1:30 p.m. Maverick Elementary 107 RALEIGH PL, SAN ANTONIO
Thursday, October 24 8:30 a.m. Gregorio Esparza Elementary 5700 Hemphill Rd, San Antonio
Thursday, October 24 1 & 2 p.m. Lewis Elementary 1000 Seascape, San Antonio
Friday, October 25 8:30 a.m. Briscoe Elementary 2015 S. Flores, San Antonio
Friday, October 25 1:15 p.m. Baty Elementary 2101 Faro Dr., Austin

 

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $46 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 170,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $46 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 170,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

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