Schools take initiative to conquer bullying
January 27, 2011
Wentzville, MO
The Wentzville School District has teamed up with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri to initiate an anti-bullying program in its high schools. The Project Anti-Violence Education (PAVE) program at Holt and Timberland High Schools is a proactive effort designed to raise awareness of bullying and harassment, and to promote the character traits of tolerance, compassion and mutual respect. The prevention program has been successfully implemented in over 280 schools in the state of Missouri.
“In our elementary and middle schools, we currently have character education initiatives that focus on bullying,” said Georgean Rustemeyer, the District Educational Support Counselor. “But we recognize the problem can continue at the high school level and we need to work together with students, staff and parents in order to effectively address it.”
The District hopes implementation will reduce discipline referrals, enhance school climate, and improve student achievement. Teachers, librarians, coaches, counselors and administrators are being trained by members of the Girl Scout team about the extent of the bullying problem across the country, and the value of creating a safe learning environment for all students.
Student leaders in both high schools will create and facilitate activities for their peers, and play an important role in reinforcing that their schools are zero-tolerance zones for bullying and harassment. Parents will also have an opportunity to participate in parent training to help reinforce what their students are learning at school and to help raise their own awareness of what constitutes harassing behavior. Holt Principal John Waters says he is pleased to add the initiative at his school.
“I am excited about this new venture where our students, staff and parents have the opportunity to receive training that can help our school become more accepting of the various talents and abilities of our students.”
The training also reminds students and parents that there are ways to anonymously report bullying if they are uncomfortable doing it through their school. If anyone has a concern about a student’s safety, they can send an anonymous email by visiting the District home page, www.wentzville.k12.mo.us and by clicking on “SafeKids” on the right-hand side.
“Hardly a day goes by without a story in the news about a student somewhere who was bullied or harassed in school,” said Timberland Principal Winston Rogers. “Our district has decided to be pro-active by working with PAVE to gauge what is happening in our schools, and then to educate our staff, students and parents so that everyone recognizes the signs, knows how to report, and knows how to help.”
From the Wentzville School District
Copyright 2011 Neighbors About Town
