Thompson School District’s

Elementary School Bully Prevention Program

Kids are at school to learn – every second spent dealing with bully problems takes away from instructional time (students and teachers)

Kids need to feel safe to be able to completely focus on their studies

Thompson School District’s initiative to decrease elementary level bullying

School Counselor will present lessons to students grades 1st to 5th (Kindergarten will also be covered with simplified 1st grade lessons)

Students will learn skills to help address social problems and bullying

Teachers and other Ponderosa staff will be present during these lessons so that they hear the same message as the students and can reinforce the skills learned

The Tough Kid Bully Blockers Book is a research based curriculum that presents lessons in 6 content areas:Learning About BullyingBully Blocker ToolsFriendship BuildersProblem SolvingRespecting DifferencesConfidence Boosters

1st to 5th graders will receive some training and instruction in each of the content areas, with extra time being devoted to different topics each year.

Lessons consist of discussion, writing, books, art work, role plays, practice, videos and other things

30 minute lessons will be delivered weekly for ½ of the school year (1st & 3rd quarter for some grades and 2nd & 4th quarter for the remainder)

What is bullying?1st Grade – 5th Grade Definition “Bullying is one-sided, intentional (on

purpose) and repeated.” “Bullying is when someone hurts, leaves out,

or frightens someone else.”

Additional 4th Grade – 5th Grade Definition

“Bullying is when someone purposely threatens, leaves out, ridicules, spreads rumors, or makes offensive comments to someone else.”

2 Main Types of BullyingDirect (face-to-face – pushing, hitting, name

calling, etc.) In-Direct (rumors, lies, leaving people out)

“It is always OK to report bullying. Bullying should always be reported to a grown-up when:Someone is hurt or unsafe.Someone is afraid.Other plans have not worked.”

You have tried other strategies. The bullying is harmful or repeated. Go to a helpful grown-up, such as a

teacher, staff member, playground aide, or principal.

Calmly tell the grown-up what happened.

Staff will take action and record the incident in the bully tracking book.

All students will sign a pledge stating:

I agree to not BULLY other students.

I will help students who are being BULLIED by speaking out and getting adult help.

I will include students who are left out.

All staff will be trained in how to respond to bully situations.

Staff will report bully situations and action taken in a “Bully Log Book”.

Pre/Post Tests for skills #1 & #2 Perception surveys will be given to

students & staff School Wide Information System (SWIS)

Data regarding bullying will be used to determine if this program effectively decreases bullying problems

Pre/Post Test Data should show an increase in skills and knowledge regarding bullying and social issues

Student perceptions should show increased safety and decreased bullying at Ponderosa

SWIS should show decreases in bullying, fighting and harassment

As a result, students should have more “seat time” and academics should also show improvement