MUSD to Launch Anti-bullying Program with Three High School Assemblies

MONTEBELLO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
123 South Montebello Boulevard / Montebello, California 90640-4729
(323) 887-7900 ● (562) 806-7900

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Laura Flores
Nov. 18, 2010 (562) 668-7833

Montebello Unified School District to Launch Anti-bullying Program with Three High School Assemblies

MONTEBELLO, CA -- The Montebello Unified School District is launching its districtwide Anti-bullying Prevention Program with Teen Truth Live: Bully & School Violence, a series of interactive, multi-media assembly experiences that combine motivational presentations with a 22-minute award-winning film created by students.

The assemblies take place Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1 at each of the district’s three high schools. The award winning film, Teen Truth Live: Bully & School Violence, focuses on social issues that can lead to serious consequences. The presentation challenges students to think about how their reactions to these issues impact the lives of those around them.

Using storytelling, humor, real world examples and audience participation, Teen Truth Live: Buly & School Violence teaches students to identify the different forms of bullying, understand how bullying can lead to serious consequences, and motivates students to stop bullying from happening in their school.

The Montebello Unified School District Board of Education recently passed a new policy intended to prevent bullying on its campuses and is launching a districtwide Anti-Bullying Program funded by a Safe Schools/Healthy Students federal grant initiative.

“The Board of Education is taking a strong stand against bullying and we are proud to be one of few school districts in the nation to provide our students with a comprehensive program designed to stop bullying before it starts,” said David Vela, President of the Montebello Unified School District. “We are hopeful that our efforts will improve the lives of all of our students by making our campuses bully-free zones.”

“The district is taking a very proactive approach to the issue of bullying,” said Robert Henke, Interim Superintendent of the Montebello Unified School District. “Our administrators, teachers, counselors and staff are committed to providing safe, positive learning environments for all of our students.”

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MUSD to Launch Anti-bullying Program with Three High School Assemblies

While the assemblies target the district’s high school students, work has begun to implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program for all MUSD grade levels. Developed in Norway by psychology professor Dr. Dan Olweus, the program has been proven to have positive outcomes in schools, said Michael Cobarrubias, Assistant Superintendent of Pupil and Community Services.

Statistics show that successful implementation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program can reduce school bullying, Olweus officials said. Outcomes have included:

Fifty percent or more reductions in student reports of being bullied and bullying others.

Significant reductions in student reports of general antisocial behavior such as school bullying, vandalism, school violence, fighting, theft, and truancy.

Significant improvements in the classroom social climate as reflected in students' reports of improved order and discipline, more positive social relationships, and more positive attitudes toward schoolwork and school.

Greater support for students who are bullied, and stronger, more effective interventions for students who bully.

At MUSD, every school site now has a committee trained in the Olweus program that will in turn be training other school-site employees and implementing procedures to help reduce bullying on campuses. In addition, the district’s Anti-Bullying Rules are now posted on signs throughout each school to act as a reminder to students. There have also been parent meetings, student assemblies, and ongoing classroom lessons.

The new rules are:

We will not bully others

We will help students who are being bullied

We will include others who are left out

If we know that someone is being bullied we will tell an adult

“The foundation of the district’s efforts is based on creating positive relationships on campuses that are built on mutual respect and acceptance,” said Cobarrubias. “We want to give our students the keys to developing positive relationships with each other and with their teachers – these skills will serve them well throughout their lives.”

Montebello Unified School District is a dynamic learning institution employing top-quality educators. It is the combined work of many that allows the District to continue educating more than 30,000 students every year using the 40 Developmental Assets at all of our school sites. It is through everyone’s efforts – students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators – that we are achieving the District’s number one goal of raising student achievement. Learn more online at: www.mhs.montebello.k12.ca.us.

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