Teasing and tormenting. Who among us escaped these belittling tactics as kids? Not even the president of the United States was immune, Barack Obama recently confided, saying his large ears and unusual name made him a target of harassment at school.
According to a spring 2011 White House report, 13 million students are bullied every year, often because they are perceived as different due to their race, clothing, disability or sexual orientation. Bullying hampers academic progress while placing children at greater risk of abusing drugs or alcohol and experiencing mental and physical health problems.
Today, bullying has been exacerbated by the rise of texting, Facebook and Twitter. Although cyberbullying is a serious issue, technology is not to blame. We need to be aware of what's happening in the virtual world AND in the real world. We need to create an atmosphere at school where all of our children feel safe, and feel that they belong.
As this school year comes to a close, we are revving up our anti-bullying engine for 2011-12. In accordance with district-wide character traits, each site creates a program that works for its population.
Valley: The Place to Be a Non-Bully
Valley Middle's motto is "Valley, It's the Place to Be." Principal Ces?r Morales says the motto goes hand-in-hand with the school's bullying prevention efforts.
"Middle school can be a tumultuous time; so many changes and all at once," he notes. "Valley's No Bully policy is intended to make all students feel safe and know they have somewhere and someone to turn to in the case of a bullying situation. Kids feel empowered to stand up for themselves and friends. The result is a stronger community of learners and citizens."
Valley's policy involves all stakeholders: staff, students and parents. The staff has undergone training to equip them to assist students in situations in which they are the victim, participant or observer.
Magnolia: The ABCs of Character Education
Being exposed to the negative actions of other students can occur at an early age, making anti-bullying programs key to a child's self-image and behavior, now and in the future. "The Magnolia Way" introduces and reinforces the importance of making good decisions in peer interactions. It states: "Act responsibly. Be honest. Care for others. Show respect."
Magnolia Elementary Principal Jimmy Hines notes, "These are the ABCs of our expectations. Every student has the right to learn in an environment in which clear and consistent expectations are the norm. Our campus must be a place where children feel safe and confident to think for themselves, make good decisions and be responsible for their actions."
Magnolia will roll out its full program beginning in Fall 2011, says Hines.
"We are implementing 'The Magnolia Way' as one more tool to help ensure that every student develops a strong academic foundation and essential life skills," he says.
A Positive Place for Learning everywhere else
Each site has its own points of emphasis. At Kelly, it's the Cougar Code of Conduct. At Pacific Rim, it's The Golden Rule. All site administrators understand the link between positive human relationships and academic growth.
The responsibility for bullying prevention and intervention extends beyond the campus to the home and the community. Each of us can do our part to keep social media sociable and to encourage children and adults to engage in and support positive behaviors.
See Our Anti-Bullying Programs in Action
To see how our three middle schools are maintaining a safe and secure campus environment, click the YouTube link at www.carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook!
According to a spring 2011 White House report, 13 million students are bullied every year, often because they are perceived as different due to their race, clothing, disability or sexual orientation. Bullying hampers academic progress while placing children at greater risk of abusing drugs or alcohol and experiencing mental and physical health problems.
Today, bullying has been exacerbated by the rise of texting, Facebook and Twitter. Although cyberbullying is a serious issue, technology is not to blame. We need to be aware of what's happening in the virtual world AND in the real world. We need to create an atmosphere at school where all of our children feel safe, and feel that they belong.
As this school year comes to a close, we are revving up our anti-bullying engine for 2011-12. In accordance with district-wide character traits, each site creates a program that works for its population.
Valley: The Place to Be a Non-Bully
Valley Middle's motto is "Valley, It's the Place to Be." Principal Ces?r Morales says the motto goes hand-in-hand with the school's bullying prevention efforts.
"Middle school can be a tumultuous time; so many changes and all at once," he notes. "Valley's No Bully policy is intended to make all students feel safe and know they have somewhere and someone to turn to in the case of a bullying situation. Kids feel empowered to stand up for themselves and friends. The result is a stronger community of learners and citizens."
Valley's policy involves all stakeholders: staff, students and parents. The staff has undergone training to equip them to assist students in situations in which they are the victim, participant or observer.
Magnolia: The ABCs of Character Education
Being exposed to the negative actions of other students can occur at an early age, making anti-bullying programs key to a child's self-image and behavior, now and in the future. "The Magnolia Way" introduces and reinforces the importance of making good decisions in peer interactions. It states: "Act responsibly. Be honest. Care for others. Show respect."
Magnolia Elementary Principal Jimmy Hines notes, "These are the ABCs of our expectations. Every student has the right to learn in an environment in which clear and consistent expectations are the norm. Our campus must be a place where children feel safe and confident to think for themselves, make good decisions and be responsible for their actions."
Magnolia will roll out its full program beginning in Fall 2011, says Hines.
"We are implementing 'The Magnolia Way' as one more tool to help ensure that every student develops a strong academic foundation and essential life skills," he says.
A Positive Place for Learning everywhere else
Each site has its own points of emphasis. At Kelly, it's the Cougar Code of Conduct. At Pacific Rim, it's The Golden Rule. All site administrators understand the link between positive human relationships and academic growth.
The responsibility for bullying prevention and intervention extends beyond the campus to the home and the community. Each of us can do our part to keep social media sociable and to encourage children and adults to engage in and support positive behaviors.
See Our Anti-Bullying Programs in Action
To see how our three middle schools are maintaining a safe and secure campus environment, click the YouTube link at www.carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us. And don't forget to follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook!