The Allegheny Valley School District uses the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program in its effort to decrease and eliminate bullying.  The program is school-wide and  designed to prevent or reduce bullying throughout the school setting. The multi-component approach involves individuals, classrooms, entire schools, as well as parents and communities, to successfully address bullying in schools.

Outcomes of the Program
Statistics show how successful implementation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program can reduce school bullying. Outcomes have included:

• Fifty percent or more reductions in student reports of being bullied and bullying others. Peer and teacher ratings of bullying problems have yielded similar results.
• Significant reductions in student reports of general antisocial behavior such as school bullying, vandalism, school violence, fighting, theft, and truancy.
• Significant improvements in the classroom social climate as reflected in students' reports of improved order and discipline, more positive social relationships, and more positive attitudes toward schoolwork and school.
• Greater support for students who are bullied, and stronger, more effective interventions for students who bully.

Other Benefits of the Program
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program will also help you meet requirements for these federal mandates or programs that you may already be administering:

• Safe and Drug Free Schools
• School connectedness
• High-stakes testing
• Juvenile delinquency prevention
• School drop-out prevention
• School health programs
• Suicide prevention
• Promotion of developmental assets
• No Child Left Behind
• Character education
• Behavior supports

For additional information on the Olweus Program, please visit their web site.

Allegheny Valley School District's Bullying Policy #249

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For the 2011-2012 school year, Springdale Jr-Sr High School students and staff will participate in the program outlined below.

Character Themes
Each month will be associated with a different character trait and the classroom lessons will tie into the month’s trait.  The guidance office will have a bulletin board display each month to showcase the month’s theme.
•    September- Introduction/Getting Ready
•    October- Responsibility
•    November- Self-Control/Self-Discipline
•    December- Honesty
•    January- Generosity    
•    February- Self-Awareness
•    March- Tolerance
•    April- Perseverance
•    May- Citizenship/Loyalty

Bully Lessons
Bully lessons will be during an extended “B” Bell homeroom 1 time per month. Tentatively lessons will be scheduled the 2nd Wednesday of every month. Bully lessons will be held on the following dates September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14, January 11, February 8, March 7 (adjusted for PSSA), April 11, and May 9 .

Please see the attached schedule to find teaching assignments. Those assigned to teach a lesson will be given a binder to store their lessons and the lessons will be given to them prior to the day that they are to give the lesson. Each grade level will be completing different lessons in order to better fit various developmental levels.

Incentive/Rewards System
This year we will be piloting a school-wide rewards system. Staff members will be given tickets each month to give to students who have portrayed the month’s character trait. If a particular student displays responsibility in the month of October, then a teacher may write that students name on a ticket, initial it and give the ticket to that student. The student will then bring the ticket to the guidance office and put it in a jar that will be provided. At the end of the month, one students name will be drawn from the jar and that student will receive a gift card.

Bully Report Forms
Any student discussing a bullying incident is encouraged to fill out a Bully Report Form. These forms can be found in the main office and guidance office and are to be turned into Mr. Leviski.

Notes to Counselor
There will be a Notes to Counselors box in the guidance office for any students to write concerns or questions that they have for their guidance counselor.