Keystone Elementary School has implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to help stop bullying in our school. All school staff were trained in August 2019 by our Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Core Committee, which includes Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Wingard, Mr. McCormick, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Buckley, Mrs. Hickman, Mr. Smith, Mrs. Gorog and parent and community representatives. The goals of Olweus include reducing bullying problems among students, preventing the development of new bullying problems and achieving better peer relations at school.
The definition of 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. The bullying is intentional, repeated, and involves a power imbalance.
There are 4 schoolwide bullying rules that we say every Monday morning during the announcements:
1. I pledge not to bully others.
2. I will help others, who are being bullied, if I can.
3. I will make an extra effort to include others in all school and recess activities.
4. I will tell an adult when I see someone bullying.
Each classroom holds classroom meetings at least 2 times per month. The purpose of the classroom meetings is:
1. To teach students what bullying is, the 4 anti-bullying rules, and different ways of reacting when bullying occurs
2. To help students learn more about themselves, their feelings, and reactions and to provide them with opportunities to express their personal opinions in a
safe and supportive environment.
3. To build a sense of community and belonging
Please talk with your child about the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and stress the importance of treating others with kindness and respect!