Three years ago, North Scott Junior High implemented a program called Olweus. Olweus is a research based program developed by Dr. Dan Olweus, to reduce bullying incidents. Instead of using a name that is hard to pronounce for kids, we call the program "Respect". Since we have implemented the Respect program, we have seen the number of bullying and harassment incidences decrease! The program works through the use of classroom meetings, team building activities and uniform language and actions.
Through weekly classroom meetings, students have a chance to discuss issues that present problems in school. There are structured topics and topics that are chosen by students for discussion. All discussion groups are led my the AT teacher in the smaller classroom environment. These meetings happen on Wednesdays during our AT period.
Team building activities happen during AT on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. These activities are set up to help build peer acceptance and community. Fun activities are planned and help students get to know, understand and trust one another. This helps us to build our community.
Uniform language and actions are used so all kids are hearing the same message. The junior high has a uniform way of handling students who treat others disrespectfully. Negative behaviors are pointed out to the student and the behavior is corrected. The teacher who sees the negative behavior will immediately have an "On-the Spot" intervention. This will help students see what acceptable and unacceptable behavior looks like and for those who are the "victims" of the negative behavior to know that an adult will help!
On Friday, September 24, North Scott Junior High will have a Respect assembly. The skit will have a variety of characters, portrayed by the staff and students, which show that no matter what you look like or who you are, ANYONE can be a bully! After the assembly is over, ALL students will receive their own, "I've Got Your Back" T-shirt free of charge.
If you would like to see the skit, please join us the afternoon of the 24th around 2:10 pm. A DVD version will also be available.
For more information on the Olweus Anti-Bullying Program, please check out the website at www.olweus.org/
