Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Implemented at Hillsboro Elementary School

The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program IS:  Designed for ALL students  Preventative and Responsive  Focused on changing norms and restructuring the school setting  Research based  Not time limited: Requires systematic efforts over time

The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is NOT:  A curriculum  A conflict resolution approach  A peer mediation program  An anger management program

Program Components  In order for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to be successful, we need all of these components involved:  School  Classroom  Individual students  Parents  Community

Olweus Definition of Bullying:  “Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.”

Three Key Components of Bullying Behavior:  Involves an aggressive behavior  Typically involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time  Imbalance of power or strength

Why Address Bullying in Schools?  For the students and their futures  For a healthy school climate  For the larger community  For the purpose of risk management for schools  It’s a wise investment to help our children become better citizens

Effects of Bullying on School Climate  Creates a climate of fear and disrespect  Interferes with student learning  Students may feel insecurity and not like school as well  Students may perceive lack of control/caring

Family Risk Factors for Bullying  Lack of parental warmth and involvement  Lack of parental supervision  Overly-permissive parenting  Harsh discipline/physical punishment

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Principles imply…  1. Adults are responsible  2. Clear and consistent message  3. Short and long-term focus  4. Follow Olweus model with fidelity  5. Olweus Bullying Prevention Program should become part of everyday life at school

What is Hillsboro doing to address bullying?  Hillsboro and all Coffee County Schools have Olweus committee members who have been trained in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.  These committee members have been meeting regularly since January to develop and implement the Olweus program in their schools and address any issues that need attention such as possible bullying hot-spots, discipline, and citizenship policies.  At Hillsboro, our committee along with faculty and staff, have revised our citizenship and discipline policy. We have also come up with incentives for our students to earn rewards for good behavior in school and towards others.

Hillsboro Elementary School New Citizenship and Discipline Policy  Infractions are based on severity and are color coded accordingly. Citizenship grades are based on 100 point total. Students must earn a minimum of 85 points each semester in order to participate in two celebrations offered by HES each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Students who have good behavior will be rewarded every month with an activity or item. Students who haven’t earned the reward will not participate in the activity or receive the reward. Please know that we have your child’s best interest in mind, and hope that by implementing this program, school will be a safe environment for all students.

Hillsboro Elementary School New Citizenship and Discipline Policy cont.  Yellow Infractions (1 point per offense)  Running in the hall  Horseplay  Repeated talking in the hall  Playground rough play  Classroom disruptions

Hillsboro Elementary School New Citizenship and Discipline Policy cont.  Orange Infractions (3 points per offense)  Disrespect  Playing in the restroom  Throwing objects  Teasing/Name calling  Spreading/Starting rumors  Not obeying

Hillsboro Elementary School New Citizenship and Discipline Policy cont.  Red Infractions (5 points per offense)  Defiance  Fighting  Theft  Destruction of property  Cheating  Inappropriate language  Threats  Any other severe behavior

Hillsboro Elementary School New Citizenship and Discipline Policy cont..  Consequences:  Yellow - 3 within a week= 1 recess detention  Orange -1=2 recess detentions and/or possible other consequences  Red=Referral to Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor, conference with parents, suspension, corporal punishment or other possible consequences.

Possible Incentives for Positive Behavior Monthly…  Cotton Candy  Hoola hoops, jump ropes, and scooter boards  Popcorn Party  Afternoon Movie  Flying Kites  Sock Snowball Fight  Relay Races

Two Big Celebrations for our students who display positive behavior each semester…  If a student has at least 85 points by the end of each semester, they qualify for our two big celebrations!  The first celebration will be held in December  The second celebration will be held in May  More details about these celebrations will be sent home at a later date

Classroom Meetings “Tiger Time”  Every grade level will hold Classroom Meetings, “Tiger Time”, on Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m.  It is important that your student arrive at school on time to participate in these meetings.  The classroom teacher along with another adult will facilitate Tiger Time.  The goal of Tiger Time is to foster a stronger sense of family and respect in each classroom.  We want all of our students to feel safe and welcome at school. We want to include all students to participate and feel that they are a big part of our Hillsboro community.

We Need Your Help!  Please support Hillsboro Elementary School’s efforts by talking with your student on a daily basis.  We want all of our students to feel safe and have a wonderful school experience.  If you have any questions or issues, please feel free to call the school and speak with any of the following people:  Angela Harris: Principal  Linda Willis: Assistant Principal  Angela Hale: School Counselor

Thank You!  All of us here at Hillsboro Elementary School really appreciate your continued support as we make positive changes to our school.  We want Hillsboro Elementary School to become an even more wonderful place to attend school.  We want to hear from you! Please contact your student’s teacher if there is an issue or even to let them know you support them.