Stop Bullying Now!

Intervention and PREVENTION

by Lapwai Students

In the Lapwai Elementary school we have seen a rise in bullying on the playground, gym, hallways and even in the classroom. As a community we need to work together to eliminate this type of behavior.

What are we going to do? In our school, students know exactly who is a bully. It is our job as teachers, principals, counselors, and students to take control of our schools and eliminate bullying. Bullying needs to end.

At school, the Lapwai students have taken matters into their own hands. Mrs. Chimburas’ sixth grade students have created a program to help students stand up in a positive way to those who are bullying. Students along with their teachers attended a workshop that helps students understand why students bully. Students gave input on where most bullying occurs, discussed how they feel when they are bullied, and what types of bullying they see at our school. Teachers and students talked together about what we should do when bullying occurs.

Students and teachers were asked to follow these steps when bullying occurs.

NEVER believe a bully. They are only trying to hurt you. You’re in control of your own feelings. Don’t listen to them!

NEVER feel bad if you are bullied. Every time someone bullies you you should feel bad FOR THEM. They have a problem, not you.

Do not think for one minute that it is tattling on the bully if you should tell the teacher. You are only HELPING the bully to get better. Bullies do not make the rules.

DON”T take bullying from anyone. You don’t deserve it! Stand up for yourself and take control.

If you think you bully students ask yourself WHY? Understand that you have a problem and you need to talk to an adult. You are not alone in this. We can help you learn to control your anger and frustration. You are a good student and you have the power to CHANGE!

TEACHERS must not let the little things slide. Bullying is bullying no matter how you look at it. REPORT it, STOP it ANYTIME it happens.

We are a school. We learn together, play together, eat together, and will help everyone if we work together and make this school a safe place.

Every classroom has a sign posted to remind them of the steps. Our morning messages from the principal remind students to take pride in them. The NEZ PERCE TRIBE has donated money to the STOP BULLYING NOW program so that each students receives a stop bullying shirt. Students are reporting bullying on a daily basis. Teachers are monitoring all areas of the school more closely.

Now it is your turn as parents. Talk to your children. Ask them how their day went. Ask them if they feel safe at school. Talk to your child’s teacher if you have a problem. If we don’t work together, bullying is not going to end. It is our job as a community to help each other.

Respectfully,

Iris A. Chimburas, sixth grade teacher

Lapwai Elementary School

Stop Bullying Now Program