In an effort to take a more proactive approach to bullying in schools, Grand Forks' Safer Tomorrows has announced plans to train area educators through a national program.
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program -- along with a number of other initiatives -- will be implemented in area schools this fall.
"We want to provide a safe and respectable environment for our students," said Jody Thompson, assistant superintendent for Grand Forks Public Schools.
According to its website, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is designed for students in elementary, middle and junior high schools.
The program is not curriculum-based, said Janell Regimbal, vice president of children and family services at Lutheran Social Services. Instead, it addresses bullying at four levels: school-wide, classroom, individual and community.
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Prevention
Thompson said the Olweus program and other initiatives coordinated by Safer Tomorrows will complement some of the school system's existing programs well.
Safer Tomorrows is a project that places its focus on the prevention of bullying and violence, according to Community Violence Intervention Center Executive Director Kristi Hall-Jiran.
The usual approach to bullying is an "after the fact" response, but Safer Tomorrows works to give schools the training and resources they need to prevent and address present bullying issues, Hall-Jiran said.
The project is coordinated by the city, CVIC, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota and the Grand Forks Public School District with support from the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Department.
"We have 100 percent of our public and parochial schools [in Grand Forks County] involved in Safer Tomorrows," Regimbal said.
The project was recently one of four awarded a $2 million grant as part of the Department of Justice initiative "Defending Childhood: Protect, Heal, Thrive."
Bob Rost of the Grand Forks County Sheriff Department said he believes this project is one of the biggest to come to Grand Forks.
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"Safer Tomorrows is a natural fit as we attempt to be more proactive than reactive," when it comes to the issue of bullying he said.
/>Reach Jewett at (701) 780-1108; (800) 477-6572, ext. 108 or send email to bjewett@gfherald.com .
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