Karen McCuiston Kentucky Center for School Safety Murray State University

Kentucky Safe Schools Week The third full week of October is Kentucky Safe Schools Week! Schools across Kentucky focus on school safety issues in classrooms, in their schools and in their communities.

Kentucky Safe Schools Week This year’s theme “LEAN On Me; Stop the Bullying!” focuses on the culture of the school and the interdependence of students and staff to make their school safe, warm and welcoming. Within this overall culture students will be encouraged to support each other, connect with the staff and be diligent as they watch out for others in need. Fundamental to the “LEAN On Me” concept is straight from the song lyrics, “sometimes in our lives we all have pain and we all have sorrow” learning to depend on fellow classmates, trust the adults at school and to treat others well. This “culture of kindness” will support the subtitle of “STOP the Bullying” by getting to the root of the problem before episodes escalate.

Community Awareness Get your community involved and prior to KY Safe Schools Week promote it in your area; in the newspaper, on the radio, on your school website, there is no limit! Poster/Flyer How to Take the Pledge Flyer Badges or Stickers Bookmarks Lean On Me Theme Song Lyrics Daily School Announcements Press Release (Sample) PSAs for Radio Spots Proclamation have city or county officials sign the Safe Schools Week Proclamation Proclamation Safe Schools Week PowerPoint Promotional Video Booklet of Handouts

Click Here to Take the LEAN On Me; STOP the Bullying Pledge Click Here Print your very own certificate Watch your county stats grow with pride!county stats

Handout to explain…How to take the online LEAN On Me; STOP the Bullying Pledge!

School Campaign Every school’s campaign be different to fit their needs Emphasis will be placed on the “Lean On Me” concept and connectivity throughout the school Everyone in the school needs support one time or another and being there for others is a significant way to create a healthy school climate. Some schools will use the Daily School Announcements on the PA system or Closed Circuit TVDaily School Announcements

School Campaign Song lyrics are available to “Lean On Me” for schools who want “flash mob” or use them for discussion or writing prompts. Some schools are having “Lean On Me; STOP the Bullying” days with the students wearing RED, their school logo for spirit, or school colors (indicating I’m here for you). Many are displaying their pledge certificates in rooms on walls in halls

Powerpoints Powerpoints on safety issues – Bullying – Cyberbullying – Cell phones and Sexting – Suicide Prevention Role of a Teen – Gangs

Websites Numerous websites for teachers, students, counselors, SROs, Family Resource Centers or others to use to teach about bullying, cyberbullying, connectivity and more…

Handouts On various subjects – Bullying – Conflict – Sexting – Self Harm – Cyberbullying – Risky Behavior These can be used in classes or with parents or hung in the halls of the school.

Administrator Resources Senate Bill 8 Guidance Bullying Checklist Connectivity Focus Group S.T.O.P Tipline Survey for Bullying (Using Survey Monkey or Google Drive) Training Assessments Mobile Site

Kentucky Safe Schools Week This year’s campaign can make a difference! L ean on others… E xcel by treating others well… A chieve relationships… N otice and report if necessary…