During the 2006 - 2007 school
year, the Dan Olweus Bullying Prevention Program was implemented. The
program aims to restructure the existing environment to decrease
opportunities and rewards for bullying behaviors. Emphasis is placed on
improving peer relations to make the school a positive place for students
to learn and develop. Weekly meetings are held within each classroom to
reinforce the school rules against bullying and promote empathy.
This year the program was
kicked off with a special presentation from Mr. John Bickhart,
a St. Monica alumni and teacher for the Danville Area School
District. Mr. Bickhart spoke with the students about the negative effects
of bullying using the song "Welcome To My Life" by Simple Plan for the
basis of his presentation.
Each student received a t-shirt that
proclaims "Saint Monica School is Bully Free". Students will be able to
wear these shirts once a month as an additional way to reinforce the
Bullying Prevention Program. Students in grades five through eight created
a "Drop a Note" box which allows students to anonymously inform teachers
about any bullying behaviors observed or any concerns they may have.
A "Be A Hero" display was created in
the main hallway. Students receive a paper hand for every kind deed that
is observed by a teacher or volunteer. The student then places the hand on
the wall for others to see they lent a "helping hand" to a fellow
schoolmate. The students set their own goal of 200 hands to achieve
by the end of the school year.
