Cambria anti-bullying program statewide model

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October 5, 2008

BY RANDY GRIFFITH The Tribune-Democrat Sun Oct 05, 2008, 11:49 PM EDT

A program developed in Cambria County schools is being expanded as schools across Pennsylvania develop state-mandated anti-bullying initiatives.

“This is a comprehensive in that it involves all the players,” project director Dr. Matthew Masiello said. “It is an ongoing effort, rather than a one-time event. It’s a change of culture.”

Renamed as the “HALT! Bullying Prevention Program,” Cambria County’s plan serves as the model for the bullying component of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s $200 million Healthy High Five outreach to improve children’s behavior.

It starts with training sessions for teachers, aides, school nurses, administrators, custodians, bus drivers and cafeteria workers. Everyone needs to understand how to recognize the components of bullying, hazing and harassment.

With that foundation, schools bring students into the process, encouraging respect and empathy for others, while defining unacceptable behavior and identifying consequences.

Developed in Norway by Dan Olweus, a psychology professor at University of Bergen, the program was introduced here in 2001 through the Cambria County Child and Adolescent Health and Wellness Council and Conemaugh Health System. The council’s studies showed up to 50 percent reduction in reports of bullying, council director Masiello said.

The program moved with Masiello to Windber Research Institute in July, the same month that legislators approved changes to the Pennsylvania School Code requiring all schools to have a bullying policy by January.

With a grant from Highmark and training by the Windber staff, Forest Hills School District launched its “HALT!” program last week. High-energy kickoff assemblies at each school introduced “Rangers ROCK,” an acronym for Reaching Out with Compassion and Knowledge.

It’s more than anti-bullying, Assistant Principal James Lashinsky said at the elementary school.

“We are looking at it as a character development program,” Lashinsky said.

“It will help children look for the good in each other in themselves and make that come out in their behavior.”

Rap-session-style class meetings are at the heart of the Olweus method, “HALT!” coordinator Karla Good said at Windber Research Institute.

Forest Hills Elementary’s meetings are launched at the end of the school day with “Gonna Fly Now,” the “Rocky” movie theme, piped through the public address system.

“We want to make sure the students are aware, and help them remind the teachers,” Lashinsky said.

The idea is to help students find things in common to build relationships that will encourage pro-social behavior, Good said, noting that the meetings are not supposed to be tattling sessions or “witch hunts for bullies.”

“They are building a sense of community,” Good said. “They can talk about anything.”

By developing those bonds, students can begin to stand up for others when they see misuse of physical, mental or emotional power, Lashinsky said.

“It’s about being a good person,” he said. “Being the best you can be.”

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