More than 30 parents, teachers, administrators and school directors in the West Allegheny School District have been brainstorming ways to supplement or change the anti-bullying program in use by the district.
Some of the ideas include bracelets to remind students and teachers to act kindly, boxes where bullying incidents can be reported anonymously, and a hotline where students can text about bullying issues.
The members of the Safe and Supportive Schools Committee are exploring how to address anti-bullying in addition to what the district is already doing, which is “obviously, not enough yet,” superintendent Jerri Lynn Lippert said.
In January, an attempt to enhance the district’s bullying prevention program with what was called a Kindness Workshop for eighth-graders backfired when parents and students criticized the program, saying students’ answers to questions asked during the session could be used as fodder for bullying. Public outcry prompted the district to launch the Safe and Supportive Schools initiative shortly afterward. In March, the death of a West Allegheny middle school student was ruled a suicide, and his parents said they believe bullying was a contributing factor.
While crafting new policies for West Allegheny, committee members have reviewed policies in place in other school districts and narrowed their focus to three.
The new policies will be submitted to the district solicitor, administration and school board for review before being approved in June or July.
Plans are for the new policies to be in place for the start of 2016-17 and to “make it part of the culture here” at West Allegheny, Ms. Lippert said.
The policies will be available on the district website, posted in classrooms and hallways, and reviewed every year with students and parents, she said.
The group is also reviewing whether the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, the district’s longtime anti-bullying curriculum, will remain. A new program may be introduced or additional resources used to supplement Olweus.
Supplemental activities also are being considered for the middle and high schools.
In the coming weeks, students in grades 6-12 who take a pledge to stand against bullying will recieve a rubber bracelet imprinted with “#BeTheChange” on one side and “#KeepItGoing” on the other.
The pledge states the student will treat classmates with respect and compassion in class, at school events, outside of school and on social media. It also calls for the student to get help if the individual witnesses someone being bullied.
Students and teachers start the day with the “#BeTheChange” side of the bracelet showing. When a student or teacher is seen living up to the pledge, they will be alerted to turn their bracelet over to “#KeepItGoing.”
At the middle school, students proposed a “Box out Bullying” program in which boxes are placed throughout the school, allowing students to anonymously report acts of bullying as well as positive actions, said Tracy Pustover, a school director working with the Safe and Supportive Schools team.
Implemented three weeks ago, the program has provided administrators with “credible leads” and “productive” resolutions, Ms. Lippert said.
Also under consideration is a 411 hotline to which students can text about bullying issues to the district.
Christopher Shattuck, assistant superintendent, noted at last week’s school board meeting that the group was reviewing anti-bullying programs or speakers for a possible assembly for the middle school before the end of the school year.
Sonja Reis, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com
First Published: April 29, 2016, 4:00 a.m.
