Elmwood School District Bullying prevention in our school

LET’S COMPARE FIGHTING/ARGUING IS…….….. Exchange (verbal or physical) that is participated in equally by both parties. One time occurrence Both parties have equal verbal, mental, physical or emotional “power” to defend themselves. Meant to prove a point. BULLYING IS……………………….. Exchange (verbal or physical) that is unfriendly and is monopolized by one person or group of people. Happens repeatedly. One party has more verbal, mental or physical “power” than the other. Meant to cause harm to the other party.

State Law requires that every school district have an anti-bullying policy actively in place. Elmwood has chosen to use the OLWEUS anti-bullying program. OHIO REVISED CODE

The OLWEUS program has been found to reduce bullying among children, improve the social climate of classrooms, and reduce related antisocial behaviors. Designed, implemented and researched by Clemson University Endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics Trained OLWEUS teams on- site at Elmwood. One of few programs that involve parents at all levels.

OLWEUS bullying questionnaires were done with random student sampling before the end of last school year. These results allowed us to develop a plan for the school year. parent involvement. Peer relationship development Ongoing adult intervention and monitoring Open communication between students, parents and Elmwood staff.

To support our overall efforts to create a safe and healthy learning environment for all Elmwood students, you are being included as a key participant on your child’s anti-bullying team.

Bullying is….”actions meant to hurt someone’s body or feelings”, like hitting, spreading rumors or leaving someone out. This has happened more than once. Somebody in the situation seems to be stronger and somebody seems to be weaker.

We will keep our hands and feet to ourselves. We will choose our words with care.

We will help them walk away. We will help them find an adult.

The more, the merrier! Everyone needs friends

We will use class meetings to provide information through; Conversation Games Videos Role-playing Bucket filling

Johnny Every student gets to be the bucket person at least once during the school year. During their week, other students in the classroom write down the nice things they notice that person doing or saying, then put their note in the bucket. At then end of the week, it is read aloud for everyone to hear. In this way, children learn to desire positive attention from their peers.

Your student will learn which of the eight roles they play in bullying situations, including; Student who is bullied – the one who receives the mistreatment. Student who bullies – the one who starts the bullying and takes an active part. The follower – student who takes an active part, but does not start it. Supporter – supports the bullying behavior, but does not take an active part.

Passive Supporter – Likes the bullying, but does not display open support. Disengaged onlooker – Watches what happens, but does not take a stand. Possible defender – Dislikes the bullying and think they should help, but does not. Defender – dislikes the bullying and tries to help the person being bullied.

Using Classroom meetings to better understand the feelings of their peers. Practicing what they have learned on the playground, classroom, hallways, bus-rides and everywhere they interact with friends. Practicing their new skills at home with family and in the community.

This will make the bullying stop immediately, right? Actually, no. Research has proven that bullying reports will increase for a short time as students become more comfortable with telling. This is a good thing! It means that our children are taking bullying seriously and are not going to tolerate it at their school.

What do I do if…………? My students reports bullying to me? Call the office. Report the incident. Call someone you trust at the school. Go over the five rules and eight roles with your student. Invite them to take an active role by telling.

What if…………? My child is bullying others? Take a deep breath and call the office. Send a note to your child’s teacher, or call someone else you trust at the school. We will make a plan that both helps to correct the bullying behavior and maintains your child’s dignity….after all, these are children. They are bound to make mistakes.

Will they still get in trouble? The school disciplinary policy will still be enforced. It is our intention that the need for discipline will be reduced and the consequences less considerable by intervening in situations before they become significant.

This is a team effort Your child, like any other is an important person. We want to maintain your child’s emotional and physical safety while at school. A child who feels safe and comfortable will learn better. We are working on this together. We all want the best for our students.

Maintain an open line of communication with your child’s teacher and others at the school. Practice your child’s new skills with them at home and in the community. Praise their efforts.

Elmwood Elementary School (419) extension 1 Building Principal – Mrs. Michelle Tuite Elementary Secretary – Mrs. Amy Hoiles A complete list of staff contact information is available on the Elmwood website at;