Wheeling Middle School works to stop bullying
By BETHANY A. ROMANEKArticle Photos
Students who walk into Wheeling Middle School on their first day of class will have a choice: They can have a good day or a bad day - depending on their own behavior.
Under the guidance of Principal Patrick Riddle, counselor Sherry Hearne and Andy Railing, home school intervention coordinator, a new program will be enforced to crack down on students who bully others. Because bullying is a problem in every school, Wheeling Middle teachers also want to help students who have fallen victim to bullying to find their voice.
Each morning, Hearne will read a quote over the intercom to inspire the students to be on their best behavior and to show good manners.
"Our primary goal for our students is when they enter our building on the first day of school, we want them to feel safe and comfortable," Hearne said. "We want them to know we at Wheeling Middle have a set of rules and you have to follow them. We want you to feel safe and to educate you."
Riddle said the zero tolerance bullying program will coincide with another initiative known as the six pillars of character education. Used as a model to teach children how to possess good character traits, the six pillars include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
"We will be starting with respect because we really feel if students respect themselves, in turn they will respect others," Hearne said. "We want our kids to empower themselves."
Along with their counselors and school resource officer, students will view "Bullying 101: Basic Tools to Stop Bullying in Middle School" by The Hazelden Prevention Library. This resource explores the unique bullying issues that middle school students experience. Real students discuss real-life issues and situations including what is bullying, why children bully and what to do if bullying happens to you. The video also includes a discussion guide.
"We are making our goals so specific," Hearne said. "It's a no-tolerance program. The students will know what is acceptable and what is not with no negotiations."
Railing said school officials want to impact the silent majority of students who endure bullying, as well as those who witness the act but don't report it.
"Get witnesses, get teachers involved and Mr. Riddle will meet with you to let you know what's going on," Railing said. "We want our school to be a safe haven for students to come and learn and feel good about themselves. It's education without a fear of being picked on or made to feel bad."
Teachers will also review proper eating habits and table behavior during each lunch.
|
Katabatic
|
|
|---|---|
|
08-11-08 7:23 PM
|
"But by teaching this program this way aren't we teaching our children "non-tolerance", and to teach them how not to negotiate ? Is that a proper message to send ?" I say, tongue-in-cheek.
|
|
Tenente61
|
|
|
08-11-08 3:30 PM
|
Thank you to Mr.Riddle, Ms.Hearne and Mr. Railing. Wheeling Middle School is one of Wheelings best kept secrets. GO WILDCATS!!!!! Proud parent of a Wheeling Middle student.
|
|
justoutside2
|
|
|
08-11-08 6:44 AM
|
pcgs, do you ever think you can be positive about anything new, you pinhead
|
|
PCGS70
|
|
|
08-11-08 12:29 AM
|
While you are setting goals, make sure they know how to read. A little math won't hurt either. Some history and civics, Okay? Is that too much to ask? I'm sorry. Nevermind.
|