TRACY -- It is estimated that nearly 160,000 students in the
United States, from kindergarten through 12th grade, are absent
from school each day because of fear of being bullied, according
to information provided by the Tracy school district. The school
district is doing what it can to tackle the problem locally,
planning an entire school year of activities with the theme
"Tracy is a no-bully zone -- you're not alone." Events will kick
off with an anti-bullying rally at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at Kimball High
School, 3200 Jaguar Run. The rally is open to the public and
will feature students from kindergarten through 12th grade,
cheer teams, varsity athletes, local dignitaries and district
staff. A San Francisco 49er will also be a keynote speaker.
"This is about awareness and understanding what bullying really
is," said Paul Hall, director of student services for Tracy
Unified. "It's very specific as far as the law is concerned.
This effort is a group action and not just one person.
"Principals in the school district