Schools Offer Lessons In Anti-Bullying

The administration and staff at County Line Elementary School have been addressing an issue that has made national headlines recently, students bullying other students. Their “Be Cool” program is an anti-bullying program designed to create a school community characterized by

firm limits on unacceptable behavior, consistent recognition and rewarding of positive bystander behavior, educating, and empowering students. The program provides studentsstrategies to deal with bullies and be respectful in difficult situations.

The “DeBug System” is a five-step conflict resolution component taught to all students in grades kindergarten through third grade. A “DeBug” banner hangs on the school facing the playground to remind students to use peaceful conflict resolution when having a disagreement with a friend or peer. Peer mediation is an important component of the program as it permits students to take ownership for resolving conflicts. With the assistance of a school counselor, students help and support other students who are involved in conflicts and bullying.

“Bucket Filling”, another anti-bullying program component, is introduced as a positive approach to interpersonal relationships. Everyone is encouraged to say or do something positive for other students in order to “fill their emotional buckets”, helping them to feel good about who they

are. Principal Cathy Schultz stated, “County Line has taken a proactive approach in teaching our students about bullying and how to solve conflicts. The addition of "How Full Is Your Bucket?" makes County Line stand out as an exemplary school that educates the "whole child".

The “Bucket Filling” anti-bullying program is in its first year of implementation at Amy Belle Elementary school this year as well.

The early years of a child’s life are crucial for healthy cognitive, social, and emotional development. Thus, the “Be Cool” program is introduced in grades kindergarten through fifth; and, the “bully free” message, encouraging tolerance and kindness, is incorporated in all classrooms. This district-wide program plays a critical role.

Germantown and the village of Richfield, Town of Polk, and Town of Jackson are served by the dedicated Germantown School District. Students receive excellent educational opportunities through the district’s six schools which include: Amy Belle, County Line, MacArthur and Rockfield Elementary, Kennedy Middle School and Germantown High School. The district’s regular curriculum, led by a treasury of knowledgeable faculty and staff, is complemented by an array of specialized programs and co-curricular activities.