Quaker Valley's Anti-Bullying Program Planned for Wednesday

Many school districts nationwide are stepping up efforts to raise awareness and prevent bullying. 

On Wednesday, the Quaker Valley School District will present its anti-bullying program for parents and the community, addressing a range of topics with the help of keynote speaker Jim Bozigar. 

Topics include: "What does bullying look like in the schoolhouse?" "What strategies can you teach your student to prevent bullying behavior in your neighborhood?" and "Harassment in high school."

Two sessions, each 90 minutes in length, have been scheduled for 1 p.m. at the on Blackburn Road, Sewickley, and at 7 p.m. at , 200 Meadow Lane.

Learning about bullying is not just for those parents who suspect their child may be too aggressive on the playground. It is for all adults, especially those who interact with students on a regular basis in their homes, during scouting or in carpools. 

As much as schools might attempt to provide students with a safe learning environment, many cases of bullying often arise in social settings outside school, such as through online networking sites. In recent months, five gay teens, ranging from middle school to college age, committed suicide in California, Indiana, Minnesota, Texas and New Jersey after being bullied, some of them for years. Last month, 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer killed himself in Buffalo, NY after suffering homophobic harassment for years.

Bozigar will give a presentation on the Olweus method, based on creator Dan Olweus' "Bullying Prevention Program." The presentation will be followed by breakout sessions for attendees. School counselors and administrators will conduct interactive discussions for parents focusing on elementary, middle and high school age students. 

Quaker Valley discussion leaders will provide input about what bullying may look like, about online bullying, and about bullying is handled in each school building. Attendees will learn how adults can help young people with this issue. Time will be allotted to address specific questions by attendees.

School psychologist Leah Wells said Bozingar'spresentation last year was "so well received" that he was invited back to expand the program with parents and the community. 

"This is everyone’s problem, and we want as many people armed with good information and strategies,” Wells said in a statement.