Question: Who knew a puck-nosed pladottle, the last in fact, could feel bullied?

Answer: The students at Harry S Truman.

In a special assembly March 1, students at HST listened to how meLVin, the last remaining puck-nosed pladottle and the mascot for the Phantoms Hockey team, was teased, pranked and made to feel uncomfortable in school.

Students also learned strategies to help those who are bullied and what to do if bullied. The key, of course, was not to bully anyone.

“We want the kids to have fun and to learn at the same time,” Dan Fremuth, director of public relations for the Phantoms and the master of ceremonies at the presentation titled “Bully Busters Unite,” said of the program.

Fremuth and meLVin have presented 25 programs this hockey season, Fremuth said.

In the presentation, students watch a short film of classmates teasing meLVin when he goes to the board to answer a math question, pulling a chair from under him when he tries to take a seat in class and slighting him when picking players for a playground game of kickball.

Fremuth offered four strategies for students:

• Talk to a trusted adult such as a mom, dad, coach or teacher if you are being bullied

• Don’t bully back or retaliate

• Support the bully’s target

• Stick with your buddies

Fremuth and meLVin illustrated each point. For example, meLVin asked Fremuth if he could talk to him if he felt bullied and Fremuth had students point out special things about meLVin, including his colorful hair and tail and hockey puck nose, to show their support for him.

Plus, Fremuth reminded students bullying back, or retaliation, only results in more hurt feelings.

And meLVin showed how he was sticking with his buddies, a.k.a all HST students, by hosting a brief but lively dance party at the end of the presentation when everyone was asked to join meLVin on the dance floor.

Since the program’s start in 2016, Fremuth and meLVin have visited about 60 schools throughout the Lehigh Valley. The program is designed to supplement school curriculum, Fremuth said.

A second assembly program encourages healthy living.

The Phantoms organization developed the programs and approached schools to present the programs initially. Word of the programs quickly spread.

“Our biggest source is word of mouth,” Fremuth said of the program’s popularity. Fremuth and meLVin were scheduled to present the program twice in two schools the following day.

“It is very well received,” Fremuth said of the program. The Phantoms organization continues to update and improve the presentation.

“We want it to be fun.”