Plummer-Worley students stand against bullying
In September 2014, more than 40 elementary, junior high, and high school students attended a student leadership forum on bullying and harassment. The objectives of the forum were to develop students' capacity to address and respond to bullying and harassment issues in their schools, provide students with information and resources to work with their school community to eliminate behaviors that target certain student groups, engage students in conversations about student behaviors and model ways for students to address unhealthy and rude behaviors, and empower students to use their personal power against harmful behaviors that threaten safe school environments.
Students discussed issues related to bullying and harassment in their schools and identified ways they can create a positive school community where each person is not treated differently.
"Creating a school community where each student feels safe and valued requires intentional actions by everyone. I applaud the district and tribe for bringing students into this effort and giving them an opportunity to speak their voice." -Kendra Hughes, Region X Equity Assistance Center.
Students haven't been the only ones concerned about bullying. The community has been concerned as well.
"Our Community Task Force began in 2011 and consists of various members of the community, schools, Tribal Departments and Programs. It was initiated by Plummer/Worley administration because there was a bullying issue occurring in the schools and it seemed to be increasing. The goal of this Task Force was to define bullying and implement a plan to address and resolve the matter in a consistent manner. In the summer of 2014 we held meetings to address the three phases of the plan and in September a fourth meeting specifically for students was facilitated with the help of Kendra Hughes from Oregon. Please see the article that Superintendent Sharrett wrote as it clearly shows how a collaborative effort of many can really have an impact on the issue at hand. Thank you." - Bernie LaSarte, STOP Violence Program Coeur d'Alene Tribe.
During the 2013-14 school year, there were 20 incidents reported for the district, 10 at the elementary and 10 at the secondary level. In 2014-15, there were 14 incidents reported, 10 at the elementary and 4 at the secondary. Our students believe a lot of the reason for the decrease in reported bullying incidents is due to a good group of student leaders who are watching for bullying and stopping it when they see or hear incidents of concern. Students believe the more they are the ones teaching the students, the more students will listen and join the cause to stop bullying in their schools. The student leadership forum on harassment and bullying addressed the Plummer-Worley's Strategic Plan focus area on applying character, citizenship, and community toward the goal of collaboration on the topic of bullying.
"Bullying is part of that continuum of school safety. It is troubling in and of itself. But bullying is doubly dangerous because if left unattended it can rapidly escalate into even more serious violence and abuse. Just as you have gateway drugs, bullying is gateway behavior." -Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
Student Leadership Forum presenters from the Region X Equity Assistance Center (EAC) in Portland, Oregon, Office for Civil Rights in Seattle, WA, and the U.S. Attorney's District of Idaho Coeur d'Alene Office worked to students on ways to work together to create a welcoming and caring school community and shared strategies to address harassing and bullying behaviors while focusing on how students can use their personal power to make change.
Over the past eight months, students and teachers have worked together on a "pay it forward" campaign in which everyone focused on doing something kind for someone else. Students presented their anti-bullying plan to parents and community members. Each school building now has a box for students to anonymously report incidents of bullying and harassment, and a reporting link is being added to the district's website. During October's "Anti-Bullying Month," students created posters illustrating what a bullying-free school could look and feel like. In addition, students wore orange to show support of the efforts to eliminate bullying behaviors and attended an assembly with a guest speaker presenting on ways that students can work together to promote a positive and safe school community. Most recently, students provided an overview of the activities and outcomes of their anti-bullying efforts to the school board.
In May 2015, students and staff worked with Kendra Hughes from the Region X EAC to reflect on their activities and accomplishments during the school year. Students have many things to be proud of and are already planning for the 2015-16 school year. Next year, students would like to take a more active role during their advisory periods planning fun and interactive activities around the topic of anti-bullying and harassment that include friendly student competitions. They would also like to see more students, parents, and community members involved in the work at the elementary and junior high and high school. Students also expressed an interest in more assemblies with fun, motivational speakers and website additions that include content about anti-bullying activities and results to the morning announcements in both buildings. Lastly, students said they would like a community dance or cook out to promote togetherness.
If you are interested in discussing the anti-bullying and harassment work taking place in the Plummer-Worley School District, please contact Judi Sharrett, district superintendent.
This column was written by students Cheyenne Scott, Sativa Bohlman, Rory Scott, Sarah Brown and Gavin Rea.