As part of Bullying Prevention Month, Emerald Park Elementary continued a meaningful tradition combining the power of storytelling with social-emotional learning. For the fourth consecutive year, the school welcomed Taproot Theatre Company to perform a live, interactive play focused on bullying prevention for students.
The performance, designed specifically for K–5 students, uses age-appropriate humor, drama, and relatable scenarios to teach strategies for standing up to bullying and supporting peers.
“It gives kids a chance to experience theater—some for the first time—and teaches real strategies for how to respond to bullying,” said Valerie Orrock, Emerald Park Principal who helped coordinate the visit. “We started inviting them when we learned they had an anti-bullying program, and it’s been a great way to start the school year on a positive note.”
Taproot Theatre has been touring schools across the Pacific Northwest since 1986, with a mission to bring powerful messages to students through live performance. Their elementary shows focus on bullying prevention, while middle and high school performances address topics such as cyberbullying, racism, and emotional wellbeing.
“We develop a new play each year and perform for hundreds of schools and tens of thousands of students,” said Jeremy Ehrlich, Education & Outreach Manager for Taproot Theatre. “Our goal is to help students grow through stories that matter.”
This partnership is a powerful example of how Kent School District brings the OneKSD mission to life—ensuring every student, in every school, every day, feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.