Raising a generation of compassionate students: CCSD works to prevent bullying inside the classroom and out
Cache County School District is committed to creating and maintaining a positive culture and environment where each student feels welcome. In doing so, our district has made substantial efforts to educate those within our district on preventing and responding to bullying both inside and outside of the classroom. Resources are available for students, parents, and educators alike. These resources include student workshops, teacher trainings, and even an app. Our hope is that by utilizing these resources, disruptions to the learning environment or learning process of our students will be prevented.
Each school in our district makes efforts to combat bullying and create unity. For example, North Cache Middle School recently partnered with education specialists from The Family Place to present anti-bullying workshops in all homeroom classes. Each student in the school had an opportunity to attend and participate in the workshop, which focused on teaching students that above all, what they do and say to one another matters. “I want them to know that they can be the change,” said Jennifer Daly, Education Director at The Family Place. “We encourage them to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. We want them to know that they can make a difference and stand up.”
Teachers throughout the district are also being trained to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment. As part of our focus on school safety, a new “Bullying, Cyber-bullying, Hazing and Retaliation Prevention” training slideshow has been created and is recommended for all school employees, coaches, and volunteers to watch. The slideshow, which is required of all teachers, includes information about the warning signs of bullying and how to better support LGBTQ+ youth or students with learning disabilities. It also teaches how to increase awareness and deal with situations of hazing and harassment. A separate anti-bullying training is available for middle school and high school students.
In addition to resources and training for our teachers, Cache County School District has joined with schools across Utah to embrace an app-based system called SafeUT. The SafeUT Crisis Text and Tip Line is a statewide service that provides real-time crisis intervention to youth through texting and a confidential tip program – right from their smartphone. The SafeUT app provides a way for students and parents to give anonymous tips about bullying, self-harm, and other actions that could be harmful to themselves or their peers. Licensed clinicians are behind the scenes 24/7 responding to all messages, texts, and calls. Any student, from elementary to high school, can use the app to report safety concerns. By keeping things anonymous and accessible from a smartphone, students are more likely to report bullying and self-harm concerns. Parents are also encouraged to use the app if they are aware of a student or school in danger. Teachers, administration, students, and parents can join together in using the SafeUT app to prevent harmful situations from occurring.
As educators, we have goals of not only preventing bullying but of making long-lasting changes in the lives of our students. “We need to raise a generation that treats people well and respectfully,” Curt Jenkins, Director of Student Services, explained. “That is the mark of a successful society: how we treat others. We are trying to raise a generation of students that have care and compassion for others.” When all is said and done, teaching true compassion and care is the greatest bully-prevention program of all.
Bully-prevention resources: