Oklahoma governor wants discussion on safe places in schools
Bullying and school safety
Omaha requires safe rooms
Connecticut gives $5 million for school safety
Columbine copycat plot spoiled
Keeping children safe this summer
School board to hold special school safety meeting
School Safety Shield
Non en Meus Vigilo!
Showing posts with label Bullying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bullying. Show all posts
Monday, May 27, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Mom goes to school to assault alleged bully
Philadelphia, PA
A 26-year old mother went to A.B. Anderson Elementary School to confront a student who she believed was bullying her child. She ended up assaulting the alleged bully, and was arrested.
Safe Havens, International
A 26-year old mother went to A.B. Anderson Elementary School to confront a student who she believed was bullying her child. She ended up assaulting the alleged bully, and was arrested.
Safe Havens, International
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
School Safety in the News 5-7-13
Finding the middle ground in school safety
Indiana school safety bill to be signed, will help fund SROs
School safety being changed in Montana
A review of school safety legislation after Sandy Hook
North Carolina 2013 School Safety Act to provide for more counselors in schools
Hawaiian school safety protocols
Many San Diego County schools do not review safety procedures
Minnesota House passes anti-bullying bill
School board reviews assessment results
Indiana school safety bill to be signed, will help fund SROs
School safety being changed in Montana
A review of school safety legislation after Sandy Hook
North Carolina 2013 School Safety Act to provide for more counselors in schools
Hawaiian school safety protocols
Many San Diego County schools do not review safety procedures
Minnesota House passes anti-bullying bill
School board reviews assessment results
Monday, May 6, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
School Safety in the News 3-11-13
Schools close doors to voters for safety
USA TODAY
Safety of disabled students a growing concern in schools
The Journal News | LoHud.com
School safety is a non-negotiable priority
Corpus Christi Caller Times
Mayor's School Safety Program connects school districts, police department
Ahwatukee Foothills News
Official: School safety goes beyond violence; suicide, bullying also important
Ravalli Republic
Wayne Greene: Oklahoma Commission on School Safety's transparency turns ...
Tulsa World
Calendar, school safety, prayer on agenda for Wise County School Board meeting
Kingsport Times News
Safety measures: Area school districts turn to resource officers
The Tribune-Democrat
Student safety training session set
Toledo Blade
Police, educators, community come together to keep schools safe
BlueRidgeNow.com
USA TODAY
Safety of disabled students a growing concern in schools
The Journal News | LoHud.com
School safety is a non-negotiable priority
Corpus Christi Caller Times
Mayor's School Safety Program connects school districts, police department
Ahwatukee Foothills News
Official: School safety goes beyond violence; suicide, bullying also important
Ravalli Republic
Wayne Greene: Oklahoma Commission on School Safety's transparency turns ...
Tulsa World
Calendar, school safety, prayer on agenda for Wise County School Board meeting
Kingsport Times News
Safety measures: Area school districts turn to resource officers
The Tribune-Democrat
Student safety training session set
Toledo Blade
Police, educators, community come together to keep schools safe
BlueRidgeNow.com
Monday, February 11, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Parents: Bullying Sent Teen to Hospital
Ellettsville, IN
Two parents in Ellettsville are upset over an attack in Ellettsville Middle School that hospitalized a 13-year old girl after a beating. They claim the incident is a symptom of a larger bullying problem that is not being addressed.
“(My daughter) would go to the bathroom and beg me to take her out of school. The girls would knock the books out of her arms as she walked down the hallway. They would call her fat,” said Collins, one of the parents.
Safe Havens, International
Two parents in Ellettsville are upset over an attack in Ellettsville Middle School that hospitalized a 13-year old girl after a beating. They claim the incident is a symptom of a larger bullying problem that is not being addressed.
“(My daughter) would go to the bathroom and beg me to take her out of school. The girls would knock the books out of her arms as she walked down the hallway. They would call her fat,” said Collins, one of the parents.
Safe Havens, International
Friday, November 16, 2012
Knightstown Intermediate School Stop Bullying Convocation
Today I had the honor of talking to the Panthers of Knightstown Intermediate School about bullying. A teacher, Tabatha Brown, found my name on the Internet while searching for things written by Michael Dorn. Mike and I have written together a couple of times which is why my name came up.
The students were typical students of that age, laughing, smiling, some looking morose. I was able to introduce myself to a few of them prior to the convocation. After 25 years in education, I have not tired of meeting kids, making them smile, and hearing what they have to say. A group of eighth graders made a legal comment, so I jokingly referred to them as my "legal team". They seemed to like it.
As I walked back and forth, to see how far my microphone cord would stretch, Ms. Rodgers, the Assistant Principal, walked by. As she stepped over the cord, I told my legal team that I would trip her for $20. They grinned, and informed me that doing so would be bullying. I agreed that it could be, but that it would be worth it to see her stomp a mudhole in me. They laughed at that, but I could tell by their response that Ms. Rodgers was respected and liked.
It was also evident as the convocation began. She walked down the gym, holding up her hand for quiet, and the whole gym very quickly became quiet. I was very impressed.
As I spoke over the next half hour, I could see that, by and large, the kids were listening. They interacted well with me during the convocation, and they had great questions afterwards. All in all, I thought the session went very well.
The overall behavior of the children in a school is a good indicator of how well the staff is doing. I walked the halls during a passing period, and saw several examples of positive interaction between staff and students. I saw lots of smiling, and did not notice any tension. I am sure it helped that it was the Friday before Thanksgiving, but I had the impression that the staff do a great job with their kids.
In my line of work, it is easy to see the negative things that kids do, and get a bit sour on the world. Seeing the students of Knightstown Intermediate School reminded me of why I got into education in the first place, and also reminded me why I do what I do in school safety.
Thanks to Mrs. Brown for the invitation, and thanks to the principal Mr. Bundy, and Ms. Rodgerss for making it happen.
The kids at KIS are in great hands!
Safe Havens, International
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The students were typical students of that age, laughing, smiling, some looking morose. I was able to introduce myself to a few of them prior to the convocation. After 25 years in education, I have not tired of meeting kids, making them smile, and hearing what they have to say. A group of eighth graders made a legal comment, so I jokingly referred to them as my "legal team". They seemed to like it.
As I walked back and forth, to see how far my microphone cord would stretch, Ms. Rodgers, the Assistant Principal, walked by. As she stepped over the cord, I told my legal team that I would trip her for $20. They grinned, and informed me that doing so would be bullying. I agreed that it could be, but that it would be worth it to see her stomp a mudhole in me. They laughed at that, but I could tell by their response that Ms. Rodgers was respected and liked.
It was also evident as the convocation began. She walked down the gym, holding up her hand for quiet, and the whole gym very quickly became quiet. I was very impressed.
As I spoke over the next half hour, I could see that, by and large, the kids were listening. They interacted well with me during the convocation, and they had great questions afterwards. All in all, I thought the session went very well.
The overall behavior of the children in a school is a good indicator of how well the staff is doing. I walked the halls during a passing period, and saw several examples of positive interaction between staff and students. I saw lots of smiling, and did not notice any tension. I am sure it helped that it was the Friday before Thanksgiving, but I had the impression that the staff do a great job with their kids.
In my line of work, it is easy to see the negative things that kids do, and get a bit sour on the world. Seeing the students of Knightstown Intermediate School reminded me of why I got into education in the first place, and also reminded me why I do what I do in school safety.
Thanks to Mrs. Brown for the invitation, and thanks to the principal Mr. Bundy, and Ms. Rodgerss for making it happen.
The kids at KIS are in great hands!
Safe Havens, International
Our Forum On
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Ongoing Bullying Caused School Bus Fight, Three Sent to Hospital
Dover, NJ
"An ongoing bullying incident" prompted the six-person fight aboard a Morris Hills High School school bus Friday, according to a statement provided by Dover's public safety director.
All six of the teens — ages 15 and 16 — were charged with disorderly conduct and simple assault. They were released to their families pending hearings in family court, according to the statement. said.
It wasn't clear from a statement what the extent of the ongoing bullying had been — or whether those starting Friday's confrontation were the teens who'd previously been bullied, or those who'd previously done the bullying. It also wasn't clear if the alleged bullying itself was being investigated and might lead to charges. director.
Safe Havens, International
"An ongoing bullying incident" prompted the six-person fight aboard a Morris Hills High School school bus Friday, according to a statement provided by Dover's public safety director.
All six of the teens — ages 15 and 16 — were charged with disorderly conduct and simple assault. They were released to their families pending hearings in family court, according to the statement. said.
It wasn't clear from a statement what the extent of the ongoing bullying had been — or whether those starting Friday's confrontation were the teens who'd previously been bullied, or those who'd previously done the bullying. It also wasn't clear if the alleged bullying itself was being investigated and might lead to charges. director.
Safe Havens, International
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Many Students Scared to Go to School
Silver Spring, VA
By most regards, John F. Kennedy High School is a good high school in Silver Spring. The overwhelming majority of students pass state exams with flying colors, and 82 percent graduate within four years. Later this month, students will dress in university gear to celebrate College Readiness Day.
So why do only half of Kennedy students feel safe in school?
On just-released surveys, students in even the Washington suburbs' best schools say bullying remains a serious problem at a level undetected by parents and teachers. Some campuses suspended students hundreds of times for endangering school safety in the 2011-12 school year.
At Kennedy, only 53 percent of students agreed with the statement "I feel safe at school," while students were suspended 131 times for fighting, making threats, stealing, disrupting class, attacking others, or possessing dangerous substances or weapons. At least one-quarter of students at 22 of Montgomery County's 64 public middle and high schools couldn't say they felt safe at school, up from 19 in the previous year.
Safe Havens, International
By most regards, John F. Kennedy High School is a good high school in Silver Spring. The overwhelming majority of students pass state exams with flying colors, and 82 percent graduate within four years. Later this month, students will dress in university gear to celebrate College Readiness Day.
So why do only half of Kennedy students feel safe in school?
On just-released surveys, students in even the Washington suburbs' best schools say bullying remains a serious problem at a level undetected by parents and teachers. Some campuses suspended students hundreds of times for endangering school safety in the 2011-12 school year.
At Kennedy, only 53 percent of students agreed with the statement "I feel safe at school," while students were suspended 131 times for fighting, making threats, stealing, disrupting class, attacking others, or possessing dangerous substances or weapons. At least one-quarter of students at 22 of Montgomery County's 64 public middle and high schools couldn't say they felt safe at school, up from 19 in the previous year.
Safe Havens, International
Kirtland Central High School Continues to Respond to Tension
Farmington, NM
Detectives interviewed dozens of Kirtland Central High School students and the school district said it is taking steps to stay ahead of student squabbles after a high-strung week.
Altercations between students and threats of violence prompted law enforcement to have an increased presence at the high school this week.
A fight near the school on Tuesday left one student needing medical attention. School administrators sent a letter home with students on Wednesday telling parents a student had died unexpectedly in Shiprock last weekend and the note asked parents to monitor social networking sites for threats or bullying because of recent incidents at the school.
Safe Havens, International
Detectives interviewed dozens of Kirtland Central High School students and the school district said it is taking steps to stay ahead of student squabbles after a high-strung week.
Altercations between students and threats of violence prompted law enforcement to have an increased presence at the high school this week.
A fight near the school on Tuesday left one student needing medical attention. School administrators sent a letter home with students on Wednesday telling parents a student had died unexpectedly in Shiprock last weekend and the note asked parents to monitor social networking sites for threats or bullying because of recent incidents at the school.
Safe Havens, International
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Man Sues Kansas School District For Failing To Stop Homophobic Bullying
Overland Park, KS
A Kansas man filed a lawsuit against the Blue Valley School District that alleges school officials turned a blind eye to bullying he endured because of his perceived sexual orientation.
In addition to having his nose broken on a number of occasions and being called homophobic slurs, the unidentified man, who graduated in 2010, was allegedly doused in urine by abusive classmates and had his hand forced on a burner during cooking class. And administrators, he claims, did lawsuit, nothing.
KCTV has more:
A Kansas man filed a lawsuit against the Blue Valley School District that alleges school officials turned a blind eye to bullying he endured because of his perceived sexual orientation.
In addition to having his nose broken on a number of occasions and being called homophobic slurs, the unidentified man, who graduated in 2010, was allegedly doused in urine by abusive classmates and had his hand forced on a burner during cooking class. And administrators, he claims, did lawsuit, nothing.
KCTV has more:
"His reports were met with indifference, inaction, or where some action was taken, the action was wholly inadequate and ineffective," according to the lawsuit.
"A few sympathetic teachers" passed on the reports to administrators, but either nothing was done or administrators "made inadequate and feeble attempts to discipline students, only to knowingly permit the physical and emotional assaults and harassment to continue," according to the lawsuit.
The plaintiff suffered emotional and physical trauma, and as a result his grades suffered. He attended classes at another facility to escape the abuse, the lawsuit claims. He still experiences physical pain and post-traumatic stress disorder issues, and is receiving counseling.
"The harassment was so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively deprived (the plaintiff) of access to educational benefits or opportunities provided by the school district," according to the lawsuit.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
The Dark, Nasty World of the Child Predator
Mike Dorn sent me an email about this story, about a former St. Louis teacher who was arrested after admitting he had raped students years ago. He mistakenly thought the statute of limitations had expired.
Whoops.
This story is an example of why I have such a passion for what I do. I was raised to believe that it was wrong for the strong to prey on the weak. I was also raised to believe that if I were strong, I should protect the weak. Yet day after day, I see stories of adults who prey on children.
Shame. On. You. Perverts.
If you believe, as I do, that bullying is wrong, then how much MORE wrong is it for an adult to bully a child? When you add in the dimension of the adult being an educator, the betrayal of trust adds a whole order of magnitude of pain to the situation.
If I were to coax a cute, cuddly bunny to my hand with a carrot, and then smashed the bunny in the head, how would you feel? That is what child predators do. They lure the innocent into their clutches, and then smash them. Not only do they create the immediate pain of the assault itself, but they leave a permanent footprint on that child's mind, a lasting poison that never quite goes away, and can often lead to more issues later in life.
Yet, this happens daily, often in silence. People don't want to talk about it, don't want to think about it, and thus don't want to do anything about it. It is a dark, nasty underside of our culture that needs to be stamped out.
Who will stand between the wolves and the sheep?
The Sheepdog.
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Whoops.
This story is an example of why I have such a passion for what I do. I was raised to believe that it was wrong for the strong to prey on the weak. I was also raised to believe that if I were strong, I should protect the weak. Yet day after day, I see stories of adults who prey on children.
Shame. On. You. Perverts.
If you believe, as I do, that bullying is wrong, then how much MORE wrong is it for an adult to bully a child? When you add in the dimension of the adult being an educator, the betrayal of trust adds a whole order of magnitude of pain to the situation.
If I were to coax a cute, cuddly bunny to my hand with a carrot, and then smashed the bunny in the head, how would you feel? That is what child predators do. They lure the innocent into their clutches, and then smash them. Not only do they create the immediate pain of the assault itself, but they leave a permanent footprint on that child's mind, a lasting poison that never quite goes away, and can often lead to more issues later in life.
Yet, this happens daily, often in silence. People don't want to talk about it, don't want to think about it, and thus don't want to do anything about it. It is a dark, nasty underside of our culture that needs to be stamped out.
Who will stand between the wolves and the sheep?
The Sheepdog.
Our Forum On
Thursday, July 19, 2012
How Does Violence In The Media Impact School Bullying?
Medical News Today
Douglas Gentile, an Iowa State University associate professor of psychology has conducted a new study published in July's edition of Psychology of Popular Media Culture, which may offer a new approach for schools to help profiling students who are more likely to commit aggressive acts against other students.
Gentile's study involved 430 children between the ages of 7 to 11 years (grades 3-5) from 5 Minnesota schools. He found that exposure to media violence is one of six risk factors to predict later aggression. The other five risk factors include low parental involvement, gender, bias toward hostility, physical victimization and prior physical fights. Knowing which students have a risk of aggression can help school officials to identify which students might have a higher tendency to fight or bully others later in the school year.
Douglas Gentile, an Iowa State University associate professor of psychology has conducted a new study published in July's edition of Psychology of Popular Media Culture, which may offer a new approach for schools to help profiling students who are more likely to commit aggressive acts against other students.
Gentile's study involved 430 children between the ages of 7 to 11 years (grades 3-5) from 5 Minnesota schools. He found that exposure to media violence is one of six risk factors to predict later aggression. The other five risk factors include low parental involvement, gender, bias toward hostility, physical victimization and prior physical fights. Knowing which students have a risk of aggression can help school officials to identify which students might have a higher tendency to fight or bully others later in the school year.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
A Bullied Bus Monitor
I was driving to the School Transportation Association of Indiana state conference in French Lick, IN when I heard of the story of an elderly bus monitor being bullied by students on the radio. As soon as I had a few moments, I watched the video, which can be found HERE. I watched for two minutes, and then had to stop, because my blood pressure spiked.
This video angers me because of the example of sheer callousness on the part of the students who were bullying the elderly bus monitor. It angers me at the pain exhibited by this woman, being subjected to the verbal abuse being heaped upon her, and the obvious powerlessness she felt. It angers me because the monitor didn't feel empowered to either handle it on her own, or to notify the driver for assistance.
It would be easy to say this is endemic to society based on the few instances of this happening. It would also be easy to wonder why there is concern for this, rather than anger when this happens to children. I will address the second.
The elderly bus monitor represents authority. Peers do not. It is bad when peers bully each other, but it is a sign of a larger problem when people in positions of authority are bullied. If these students feel they can treat authority figures with such blatant disrespect, what will prevent them from bullying their peers?
I would be interested in seeing how the district handles this. Will they send the right message?
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This video angers me because of the example of sheer callousness on the part of the students who were bullying the elderly bus monitor. It angers me at the pain exhibited by this woman, being subjected to the verbal abuse being heaped upon her, and the obvious powerlessness she felt. It angers me because the monitor didn't feel empowered to either handle it on her own, or to notify the driver for assistance.
It would be easy to say this is endemic to society based on the few instances of this happening. It would also be easy to wonder why there is concern for this, rather than anger when this happens to children. I will address the second.
The elderly bus monitor represents authority. Peers do not. It is bad when peers bully each other, but it is a sign of a larger problem when people in positions of authority are bullied. If these students feel they can treat authority figures with such blatant disrespect, what will prevent them from bullying their peers?
I would be interested in seeing how the district handles this. Will they send the right message?
Our Forum On
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