Central Coast schools take a stand against bullying
It was an exciting morning for the students and staff of Fairview Middle School. Back in January, the school implemented a bullying prevention program. Thursday morning, they celebrated the progress they have since made.
Over 700 students, teachers, and staff marched through the streets of downtown Gonzales. Many of the students carried hand-made posters, each displaying a unique anti-bullying message. The signs were given to local businesses, many of which, now, have them hanging in their windows.
The school’s Vice Principal, Cathy Thompson, said the school has come a long way. Since the start of the program, she said she can sense that the students are more at ease when in the classroom and at recess. She referred to the march as an opportunity to spread the school’s positive energy beyond classroom walls.
The organization Harmony at Home has helped to bring the bullying prevention program to 12 school districts on the Central Coast. As part of the program, every Thursday, each class has “circle time.” Teachers use this time to get feedback from students about any bullying that may be happening. They also collaborate on ways to prevent and stop bullying.
Bullying prevention coordinator with Fairview Middle, Sarah Behm said she wants the circle to be a safe space for the kids. “We’re noticing over time that students are really starting to open up and share their challenges and be more honest. They’re connecting stronger with teachers. They’re also reporting concerns that we’re able to immediately resolve with the whole team,” said Behm.
Behm noted that having “circle time” is just the start, when it comes to making schools like Fairview Middle “bully free.” “Just a few weeks ago there was a circle that happened in a classroom and a concern came up. We immediately talked to the teacher. The teacher was talking with the student. I connected with the school counselor. The school counselor contacted parents. Parents were also talking with the principal. There’s a whole team of us that wrapped around this child experiencing a bullying situation and made a very clear plan to support all involved in the situation,” said Behm.
The state as a whole has recently taken action on preventing bullying within schools. Last week, the California Department of Education announced a grant of 1 million dollars under the STOP School Violence Act. The grant will provide more schools with staff and student training in bullying prevention.
Fairview Middle plans to continue their bullying prevention program. Behm said she and the rest of the staff at the school are committed to seeing that the kids always have a safe and supportive place to come learn.
