Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Anti-Bullying Programming
- The Intermediate School Handbook contains a Code of Conduct that addresses proper school behavior and consequences for misbehavior.
- Guidance class lessons with Mr. Bondy teach students about bullying and the strategies for dealing with it. These lessons also teach students about peer aggression (relational aggression).
- Guidance classes also provide regular learning and practice in the skills needed to resolve conflict peacefully, such as anger management, effective communication, appreciating differences, and problem solving.
- This past May the school district hosted an evening for parents at the Intermediate School that focused on cyber bullying.
- On October 24, the school will be hosting a workshop on bullying co-sponsored by PTO and led by Karen Gottwald.
- If you suspect your child is being bullied, talk with him or her about it. Also be sure to talk to our staff—teachers, Mr. Bondy, or Mr. Murphy.
Common Language:
Peer aggression (covert or relational aggression): "acts of emotional bullying hidden among tightly knit networks of friends." This kind of bully "employ relationships, words and gestures as preferred weapons of attack."
Includes: Cold shoulder Telling others' secrets Talking behind others' backs Taking sides Excluding
Assertiveness: Tell the other person how you feel and what you want.
Best done one to one in a quiet place.
" When you did ---------, I felt __________, and I want you to ____________.
"When you took my ball, I was angry, and I want you to give it back."
Bullying: harming someone else physically, verbally, or emotionally
It happens over and over
The bully has an unfair advantage, such as size, age, status, or number
Bruiser: physical tactics
Stinger: using words and names
Bully buddy: watches but does not help victim
Victim: the person the bully picks on * Victim Thinking: the victim thinks he is being picked on because of him/herself. "There must be something wrong with me. I must somehow deserve this."
Student Resources:
Books:
Fiction
- My Secret Bully, by Trudy Ludwig. Used in Guidance classes, this book is a story about the bullying girls use with other girls, . It is also known as peer aggression or relational aggression
- The Misfits by James Howe
- Who Will Tell My Brother by Marlene Carvell
Non-Fiction
- Stick up for Yourself. Every Kid's Guide to Power and Positive Self-Esteem, by Gershen Kaufman, Lev Raphael, Pamela Espeland
- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, by Sean Covey
- Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul
Parent Resources:
If your child comes home and tells you about being harassed or bullied:
- Disuccs the problem with your child. Help them identify their feelings and their options.
- Teach them assertive responses and practice, or do role-playing, with him or her.
- Contact Mr. Bondy or Mr. Murphy as soon as possible, so that we can look into the matter.
- Put a name on female bullying.
- Teach and reinforce that conflicts with others is a normal, natural part of life. Many girls, in particular, see conflict as highly threatening.
Books:
- Odd Girl Out, by Rachel Simmons
- Queen Bees and Wannabees, by Rosalind Wiseman
- The Bully Free Classroom, by Allan L. Beane
- More Than a Label: Why What You Wear or Who You're With Doesn't Define Who You Are by Aisha Muharrar
Web Sites: