1. 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 /09/11

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 

9. 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

10. School Contact
NYCSD Dillsburg Elementary Ext Northern Elementary Ext South Mountain Elementary Ext Wellsville Elementary Ext. 1700