Waynesville Elementary participates in the OLWEUS program, a national bullying prevention program.
Counselor Charnelle Bees said the program has three goals: reduce existing bullying, prevent new bullying incidents and building better peer relationships.
A school-based central committee is responsible for training staff and students about the program and new rules. Class meetings are held with the students, where they are encouraged to develop stronger relationships with their teachers so they know there is at least one adult to turn to in case of trouble.
In addition to education, the program provides a quick-response system to address problems as they happen, as well as help develop age-appropriate consequences for unacceptable behavior, such as losing special privileges or calling home.
The school encourages students to be more accountable for their actions through education and some fun incentives.
So far, the program appears to be working. Bees said there were 15 bullying referrals in September compared to one last month.
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