Seymour Middle School

 Officer Hilgenberg– Police Liaison Officer  Ms. Landreman– Dean of Students  Mrs. Vogel – Counselor

 When we talk about bullying we need to respect each other’s feelings and privacy.  It is NOT okay to criticize what other people say or do as we talk about bullying.  Let’s handle this discussion maturely.

 Wisconsin State Statute 118:  “Truant” means a pupil who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of any day on which school is held.  You are considered truant when: ◦ You are tardy for class or are not in your assigned location ◦ You do not come to school and do not have an acceptable reason.  If you are truant: ◦ You could receive a citation from law enforcement ◦ You could be referred to Juvenile Intake and be assigned a social worker. GET TO CLASS!!

 zz8 zz8 The Effects of Bullying

A person is being bullied or victimized when he or she is exposed repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more persons. (Olweus, 1991)

 Bullying is a very serious social and legal problem. All schools must take steps to stop it from happening.  By learning about bullying, we are creating a healthier school environment for everyone.

 Studies show that bullies are more likely to be incarcerated as adults, more likely to have drug/alcohol abuse, and more abusive relationships  Colleges/Employers – think about your future – once it’s out there it’s for LIFE

 Physical Aggression ◦ Punching/Kicking/Shoving/Fighting  Social Aggression ◦ Passive Aggressive (leaving someone out on purpose0  Verbal Aggression ◦ Name Calling  Intimidation ◦ Looks ◦ Threats

 Racial and Cultural (Ethnic) Harassment ◦ Joking telling with racial or ethnic targets ◦ Exclusion due to ethnicity ◦ Racial or ethnic slurs ◦ Public humiliation ◦ Physical or verbal attacks due to ethnicity ◦ Examples  Jokes  “N” Word  Cyberbullying ◦ Texting ◦ Facebook ◦ ◦ Instagram, Voxer, Snapchat, Pinger, Kik, Twitter, Text Me ***Reminder – no electronics in bathrooms or locker rooms

◦ “Dirty” jokes ◦ Howling cat calls, whistles ◦ Stare downs ◦ Spreading sexual rumors ◦ Pressure for sexual activity ◦ De-panting (consequences-Disorderly Conduct) ◦ Sexting-Displaying sexual graphics (sending pictures) ◦ Cornering, blocking ◦ That’s “Gay”

 People who ask for help with bullies are standing up or their right not to be bullied and to have a safe school.  Getting teased, picked on, pushed around, threatened, harassed, insulted, hurt, and abused is not normal!

 An act of reprisal or getting back at a person for an act he/she has committed.  Whatever you do not retaliate

*Most effective: Seeking encouragement, advice, and protection from friends and adults: - Telling an adult at school (38% said this made things better); - Telling an adult at home (37% better); - Telling a friend (36% better) *What was least effective: Trying to handle it yourself

 remember times when they have been bullied in middle school. ASK THEM!  ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.’

ACADEMIC  School avoidance  Truancy  Lower grades  Lower self-esteem

Health Problems  Loss of appetite  Nervousness  Depression  Headaches / Stomachaches  Loss of sleep

Adjustment Problems  Emotional Distress  Anxiety  Loneliness  Suicidal ideations and attempts

 Most ignored and underused resource in schools  85% of a school population – “silent majority”  Become desensitized over time – diminished empathy

 Take responsibility for your own actions; behavior, academics, personal issues.  School is your job, no one else is responsible for your actions or should need to defend you for minor issues.  You have a voice... Use it!

 1.) Tell a Teacher Who, What, When, Where, and How  2.) If problem continues, fill out a white slip (by office window)  3.) Ms. Vogel or Ms. Landreman depending on issue, will meet with you after you have done step 1 and 2  4) Fill out an anonymous form; by office window

 If you need to speak to someone in the office: ◦ Fill out a blue slip ◦ Fill out a white slip  If someone is in immediate danger, tell us immediately!!  If you have a problem and do not let us know, we cannot help you.

 Help keep our school safe and remain anonymous!  If you’re aware of: ◦ Drugs, alcohol, weapons, theft, vandalism or harrassment… let someone know!  You could be eligible for a cash reward!   (920) 432-STOP

Be Kind and Compassionate to everyone you meet, they may be fighting a battle you know nothing about.