HCPS FL Logo Administration
Information Item
DATE: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent
TEACHING AND LEARNING PRESENTATION
Jennings Middle School OLWEUS Bullying Prevention Program (Division of Administration)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Initiative:  

Jennings Middle School is one of ten schools in our school district that participates in the OLWEUS Bullying Prevention Program.  The research-based program is designed to improve peer relations and make schools safer, more positive places for students to learn and develop.  The OLWEUS Program (pronounced Ol-VEY-us; the E sounds like a long A) is a comprehensive, school-wide program designed and evaluated for use in elementary, middle, and high school levels.  The OLWEUS Program has been implemented in more than a dozen countries around the world and in thousands of schools in the United States.  Backed by thirty-five years of research and successful worldwide implementation, the OLWEUS Bullying Prevention Program is a long-term, system-wide program for change involving program components at four levels:

  • 1. School Level
  • 2. Individual level
  • 3. Classroom Level
  • 4. Community Level

Goals:  

  • Reducing existing bullying problem among students
  • Preventing new bullying problems
  • Reduce related antisocial behaviors such a vandalism and truancy
  • Achieving better relations and climate at school

Targeted Population:  Students in grade 6, 7, and 8

Timeline:  

Initial Training - Spring 2010

Implementation at School - August 2010- present

Professional/Staff Development:  A Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee, consisting of the principal, guidance counselor, teachers, and other staff members were trained for two full days during the spring of 2010.  That committee then trained their own school staff on recognizing bullying, using appropriate interventions, holding class meetings with students, parent involvement, and school wide implementation. Student surveys were analyzed before program implementation was initiated.

Transferability:  The OLWEUS strategies are applicable to home and community settings. The skills help bridge the connection for students in social settings.

Involvement:  

Commitment to the OLWEUS program by staff members, students, parents and community members helps create an environment where students feel safe and are bully-free.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Motivate students to become responsible learners • Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum • Promote a culture of safety, which is free from harassment, bullying, and aggression • Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety including students, employees, visitors, facilities, transportation, and health
SUBMITTED BY: 
Dr. Judith Rainone   Lewis A. Brinson
Director of Administration
(813) 272-4076
  Assistant Superintendent, Administration
(813) 272-4071
    B 01
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20110830_470 (Board Meeting) * Section B Item# 01