Below are the bullying prevention programs that Bridgehampton UFSD has funded with a Paddlers for Humanity grant that supports mental health programs.
Bully Prevention Committee
Bridgehampton UFSD Superintendent Bob Houser launched the Bully Prevention Committee in 2019 to plan fundraising events and student-led programs, including a bullying prevention task force.
鈥淭his force will lead a court that, when students are accused of bullying, decides if these incidents are actually examples of bullying,鈥 says Literacy Specialist Jessica Rodgers. 鈥淚t’s putting the ownership on students, and allowing them to experience and reflect on what bullying really is.鈥
Team building
Last November, Rodgers and other teachers took 55 students in grades 6 through 8 to a ropes course for team building. 鈥淭he ropes course workers showed us how to do it, and then we were on our own,鈥 says Rodgers, who is also an instructional support team/Dignity Act coordinator. 鈥淭his allowed students at all levels to experience success and to feel good about themselves together.鈥
MEGA Recess
Grade-schoolers earn tickets by participating in MEGA Recess group activities, which include dancing, board games and video games. Students who win 40 tickets can unlock the next MEGA Recess for the following month. 鈥淓ach month, students work toward different goals,鈥 says Rodgers. 鈥淔or example, they can show behaviors that promote safety or how to be a good friend.鈥
Main story: Bullying prevention programs at 7 districts
PBIS slogan
A committee member recently led a contest in which students came up with their own Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports slogan. 鈥淭hat was another way of just bringing students together. And that was really positive,鈥 says Rodgers.
Rewards program
The district is building a rewards program in which students and teachers use mobile devices to award points to students who show respect and promote safety.
Rachel’s Challenge
The superintendent and board of education recently approved the upcoming September’s launch of Rachel’s Challenge (rachelschallenge.org), a program created by the parents of one of Colorado’s Columbine High School shooting victims. Specialists will come to the district to train teachers and to prepare future events such as presentations and training. 鈥淭his focuses on creating a positive and more inclusive school climate with less harassment and bullying,鈥 says Rodgers.
For more information about the district’s bullying policy, .
