1. Bullying A Bullying Prevention Program Overview for MCCPS Faculty What Can We Do? Jeanne Dowdell UNE: EDU 615August 6, 2010

2. Bullying is repeated negative actions, over time, from one or more persons towards another. Bullying uses the powers of intimidation, threats, and verbal, physical or emotional abuse. Bullying can erode the fabric of a school community for all members. Schools need to be safe and secure for everyone. True learning only happens in peaceable, cooperative, and respectful places. Massachusetts law now requires every school district to implement and maintain a bully prevention program. What is bullying? Why do we need to address it?

3. A Comprehensive Approach Effective programs involve... School District Parents Teachers Students

4. Assess bullying at our school Form a group to coordinate bullying prevention. Construct a program designed for our needs. Design a system of consequences for bullying. Garner staff and parent support and provide training. Coordinate community resources. School Join with the broader school community to foster awareness and involvement. Talk with your child about school and peer relationships. Communicate bullying incidences to your child’s teacher. Participate in bullying prevention programs. Model positive communication skills. Parents Sustain engaging and caring classrooms with clear expectations. Promote student choice and positive self-attributes. Intervene consistently and appropriately when students bully. Teach and model important social skills. Document and report any bullying incidences to our principal. Teachers Tell an adult when you are being bullied or witness bullying. Talk with your parents and teachers when you need help. Make “apologies of action” when you’ve hurt someone’s feelings. Actively participate in class meetings. Students A Comprehensive Approach

5. Perspective taking Anger management and impulse control Cooperation How to be a friend Empathy “I” messages Healthy expression of feelings Feelings Vocabulary Active listening Win-win conflict resolution Problem solving Appreciation of differences

6. Bully Prevention Programs Mass.gov Bullying Prevention Mass.gov Bullying Prevention Bully Police.org Operation Respect.org Stop Bullying Now! Suggestions For Parents Activities for Kids and Adults Guides to Bullying Prevention MA Field Guide to Bullying Prevention Bullying Prevention Guide Best Practices in Bullying Prevention and Intervention http://www.bullypolice.org/ma_law.html Stop Bullying Now! Anti-bullying School Policy Example Best Practices for Bullying Prevention.pdf Important Links for Bullying Prevention http://www.bullypolice.org/links.html Bullying Questionnaires & Forms Student Bullying Questionnaire Peer Relations Questionnaire Filing a Complaint

7. Boone, K., Fontanini, A., Skiba, R., Strussell, A. & Wu, T. Safe and Responsive Schools Project. Preventing school violence: a practical guide to comprehensive planning. Retrieved on August 1, 2010. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bill 216 – A++. Bully Police USA. Retrieved on August 2, 2010. http://www.bullypolice.org/ma_law.html Denton, P. & Kriete, R. (2000) The First Six Weeks of School. Turner Falls: N.E. Foundation for Children. Goldstein, S., PhD. Wiley 2007. Chapter one from Understanding and Managing Children’s Classroom Behavior (second edition). Gorton, G., Parker-Roerden, P., & Rudewick, D. 2010. Direct from the field: a guide to bullying prevention. Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Department of Public Health. Kenn-Form01: Filing a complaint. Bully Police USA. Retrieved on August 2, 2010. www.bullypolice.org/bullying_policy.html Rigby and Slee. 1993. Peer Relations questionnaire. Retrieved August 2, 2010. http://www.kenrigby.net/questdescrip.htm Stop Bullying Now. Best Practices in Bullying Prevention and Intervention. Retrieved on August 2, 2010. http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/adults/default.aspx NOTE -- Music: “Practice, Practice, Practice” (1995) from the film, Mr. Holland’s Opus.