Northern York County Elementary School Parent Forum 11/09/11 Introduce self and other principals Certified Olweus Trainer in the state of PA this year. I have the privilege of working with the other elementary schools this year in implementation. Northern York County Elementary School Parent Forum 11/09/11

Bullying is… Bullying is a form of aggression in which: The behavior is intended to harm or cause distress The behavior occurs repeatedly over time There is an imbalance of power or strength among the parties Bullying can be direct or indirect. Direct bullying uses physical or verbal attacks. Indirect bullying uses subtle negative interactions either in person or online.

Bullying Statistics Half of all students report being bullied at some time; 15% are bullied on a daily basis. Nearly 62% of those bullied are picked on because of their looks or speech. More than two thirds of students believe schools respond poorly to bullying; many believe adult help is infrequent and ineffective. A school-wide commitment to end bullying, can reduce it by half or more. Each of the three buildings did their BPQ in the spring of last year and will again at the end of this school year as an implementation evaluation tool. Our data tends to mimick the national data

Myths About Bullying Bullying is the same thing as conflict. Bullying isn’t serious. It’s just a matter of kids being kids. Bullying doesn’t happen at my child’s school. Children and youth who are bullied almost always tell an adult. Bullied kids need to learn how to deal with bullying on their own. Most children and youth who observe bullying don’t want to get involved. These are common myths and parents often come from some of these belief systems.

Bullying Affects Children Bullying can have serious consequences. Children and youth who are bullied are more likely than other children to: Be depressed, lonely, anxious Suffer from low self-esteem Experience headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, poor appetites Dislike school and be absent Think about suicide

NYCSD Elementary Schools Have Implemented PA CARES, a bullying prevention program: School-based program exclusive to Pennsylvania schools Based on the internationally recognized Olweus Bullying Prevention Program model Funding provided by Highmark Healthy High 5 an initiative of the Highmark Foundation five focus areas: Nutrition, Physical Activity, Grieving, Self-Esteem, and Bullying Prevention

Olweus Model Components School-wide approach focuses on changing behaviors, leading to improved school climates and a reduction in anti-social behaviors. Four main components: Individual interventions Classroom interventions School-wide interventions Community interventions

Program is Unique School-wide program with interventions at several levels. Elements include: An anonymous student questionnaire about bullying Formation of a Bullying Prevention Program Coordinating Committee Class meetings and ongoing training of staff Development of school-wide rules against bullying Development of a coordinated system of supervision Parental involvement 

Program Highlights Student survey in the building implementing the program Training services from a certified program trainer Teacher Guides, School wide Guides, committee notebooks and other resources to support program implementation Online support to address readiness or fidelity issues through a unique partnership between the Center for Safe Schools and the Windber Research Institute Continuing Education (CE) opportunities for teachers, counselors, administrators and other school and community personnel $250 to support school participation in CE events

School Contact NYCSD 432-8691 Dillsburg Elementary Ext. 1400 Northern Elementary Ext. 1500 South Mountain Elementary Ext. 1600 Wellsville Elementary Ext. 1700