Haine Elementary Recognized for Bullying Program

is one of only three schools in the nation to be named an Olweus Bullying Prevention Quality Assurance Program.

Linda Andreassi, district communication director, said officials from the HALT! Bullying Prevention Program held a site visit and interview process earlier this year at the school and recently notified school officials that Haine was awarded the designation of a quality assurance program, "demonstrating a high level of fidelity" to the Olweus Program.

Olweus is a whole-school program designed to prevent or reduce bullying. It is used at the school, classroom, and individual levels and includes methods to reach out to parents and the community for involvement and support, according to Andreassi. School administrators, teachers, and other staff are primarily responsible for introducing and implementing the program with the purpose of improving peer relations and making the school a safer and more positive place for students to learn and develop.

Principal Kyra Bobak, Principal and Rozann Lamberto, a school counselor, participated in the process and were recognized earlier this month at the Safe Schools Conference for the outstanding efforts of the students and staff at Haine Elementary.

According to the Assurance Program summary by HALT!, Bobak and Lamberto demonstrated a high degree of knowledge and understanding of Olweus, as well as a commitment to the sustainability and enhancement of the program.

Haine Elementary, which is about to complete their second year of the program, has 750 students in grades K-4.

Seneca Valley School District has implemented the Olweus model district-wide. It also provides release time for staff trainings and meetings, and designates class time for weekly student meetings through the program