PRESS RELEASE:

KUED's Emmy Award-winning animated series WordGirl explores the power of words in a timely new one-hour episode about bullying, "The Rise of Miss Power," premieres Monday, February 20th at 3:00 p.m. on KUED.

The adventure begins when intergalactic visitor Miss Power comes to earth and promises to teach WordGirl everything she knows about crime-fighting. When the lessons don't go as planned, WordGirl and her sidekick Captain Huggy Face begin to question whether Miss Power is a super hero or a super villain. Besides using strength and speed to defeat villains, Miss Power unleashes a secret weapon: the use of mean words to hurt people.

Initially resistant, WordGirl tries the tactic and feels empowered, leaving friends and foes agape at the unpleasant change in her ways. After Miss Power takes bullying to the extreme, WordGirl takes a stand, only to be belittled and stripped of her superhero star. Mrs. Botsford comes to the rescue rallying all of the city's villains against Miss Power, then WordGirl pledges to use words only for good, sends Miss Power packing, and restores the city to normal.

"This special provides a unique opportunity to understand just how powerful words can be," says Deborah Forte, President of Scholastic Media, Executive Producer of WordGirl.

"The Rise of Miss Power" is part of PBS KIDS' on-going effort to provide anti-bullying programming and resources for parents and teachers. In addition to this special WordGirl premiere, PBS KIDS will feature additional programming throughout the year on appreciating differences and coping with bullies.

WordGirl airs weekdays at 3:00 p.m. on PBS KIDS GO! and has won numerous industry excellence awards since its debut, including seven Emmy nominations and a 2008 Emmy Award win for "Best Writing in Animation." The show has also won two Gracie awards for its portrayal of a strong female character, a Television Critics Award for "Outstanding Achievement in Children's Animation," a KidScreen Award for Best Voice Talent, and an iParenting Media Award.