FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

TWO HARBORS - A teacher workshop had halls in Two Harbors High School empty Monday.

But, even on regular days, some seats sit vacant because some students are scared to face their peers.

"I've had several students who I've had to work through this year because they were afraid to come to school," Two Harbors High School Asst. Principal Corey Knighton said.

Bullying has appeared to affect more students at a young, vulnerable age.

"Some kids don't even realize that what's happening is being bullied," Knighton said.

Knighton has tried to make sense of the problem as more students come to him for help.

Now, he hopes to put an end to it by creating a new Anti-Bullying Safe Schools Committee.

"I got a bunch of different teachers on board and they were excited because they've been seeing this for years," Knighton said.

"I was really willing to step up and be a part of this because I think it's really something that needs to happen," Special Education Teacher Sarah Haavisto said.

Teachers like Haavisto have been working on the new initiative for months. The new plan is set to start in the fall.

It will not only flush out the bad behavior, but reward those bold enough to stand against it.

"Because we do have kids that are standing up for themselves and telling other kids to stop and walking away," Haavisto said. "That's just as important as the bullying that is taking place."

The new campaign will make existing rules stand out stronger.

It is a call to the whole community that will work toward making students happier and bringing back the whole purpose of going to school.

"If kids aren't having fun at school and aren't happy they're not going to learn," Haavisto said.

"We can't ignore stuff that's right in front of us, and we won't," Knighton said.