Dear Parents and Guardians,

Recent events in area schools have caused a heightened awareness of bullying and the effects of bullying; in an effort to better educate our students regarding bullying and its’ effects, we are planning on conducting an assembly for 6^th through 12^th grade students in conjunction with our “winter carnival” activities on Friday, February 24^th at 3:00pm in the main gym.  The aim of this presentation is to show a brief video regarding bullying and to hold a follow up discussion regarding stopping, reporting, and handling bullying in general.  I invite any interested parent or guardian to attend as well.

Our District has had policy regarding bullying and harassment for many years and it has recently been updated to include cyber-bullying.  We take bullying very seriously but in some cases, school employees are not aware that bullying is occurring and as a result, cannot take steps to stop it.  It is our hope that through education of students, parents, and staff that we can develop the tools to stop existing bullying and to prevent it from occurring in the future.

To see the video that we plan on showing students, please visit:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsG8vZJRofg 

For more information on district policies regarding bullying please visit:

http://www.prairiefarm.k12.wi.us/411_1_Student_Harassment_Bullying_and_Cyber-Bullying.html

and

http://www.prairiefarm.k12.wi.us/411_1_Rule_Student_Harassment_Bullying_and_Cyber_Bullying_Complaint_Form.html

If you do not have access to the internet, please contact me at any time to request a copy of these policies or to arrange the use of a district computer to view the video referenced above.

Thank you for also taking the time to speak with your children regarding bullying and its’ effects and encourage you to communicate with school staff if your child is being bullied at school.  I again invite any interested parent or guardian to attend our planned assembly on Friday, February 24^th at 3pm in the main gym.  Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Sincerely,

Craig G. Broeren

District Administrator

715-455-1683 ext. 119

broeren@prairiefarm.k12.wi.us

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

With the philosophy of going above and beyond, the following are a few examples of students and staff going above and beyond in their efforts during the months of January and February here in the School District of Prairie Farm.

*As a staff, we would first like to congratulate the following Panthers of the Month for January:

Prairie Farm Elementary: Emma Bergmann, Kailey Alsbury, Jayda Harmon, Jarek Nelson, Makayla Styer, Jacob Rassbach, Jasper Amans, Paige Richards, Lydia Siebert, Elec Klefstad, Madisen Harren, Ethan Wittmer, and Faith Lovelady

Prairie Farm Middle School: Gretchen Bygd             Prairie Farm High School: Brooke Bever

At the School District of Prairie Farm, we strive to help each one of our students reach their potential both in and out of the classroom. As stated by R.C. Samsel, “Character is the foundation stone upon which one must build to win respect. Just as no worthy building can be erected on a weak foundation, so no lasting reputation worthy of respect can be built on a weak character.”

The following checklist provides suggestions for what students can do when bullying occurs. This checklist is written for students being bullied, students who witness bullying and the bullies themselves.

If you are being bullied...
Reach Out

Tell an adult. Sometimes you may have to tell more than one trusted adult.
Ask your friends to help you. There is safety in numbers.
Practice what to say the next time you're bullied with your parents, teachers or friends.

Be Cool in the Moment

Stay calm and confident. Don't show the bully that you're sad or mad.
Ignore the bully and walk away.
Remember: Fighting back can make bullying worse.

Change the School Community

Work with others to stop bully behavior; your whole school will benefit.
Remember: A lot of kids have to cope with bullying. You are not alone. No one deserves to be bullied.

If you witness bullying...
Interrupt It

Stand next to, or speak up for, the person being bullied.
Ask the bully to stop.
Comfort the person being bullied and offer friendship.

Get Help

Walk away and get help.
Find an adult who can intervene.

If you are the bully...
Make a Commitment to Change

Talk to an adult, like a teacher or parent, about how to get along with others.
Ask a friend to help you stop your bully behavior.
Apologize to the kids you have bullied.

Focus on Empathy and Responsibility

Think about what it feels like to be bullied -- would you want to be treated that way?
Before you speak, think about whether your words will help or hurt another student.

Change Your Behavior

Resist peer pressure to bully.
If you start to bully, walk away and find something else to do.
Remember: You don't have to like everyone around you, but you have to treat everyone with respect.

I would also like to point out important dates for your information and reference:

◙ February 22             FFA Staff Appreciation Lunch

◙ February 24             BC K-9 Unit (Grades PreK-2) @ 2pm

◙ February 24             BC K-9 Unit (Grades 3-5) @ 2:30pm

◙ February 24             MS-HS Assembly in New Gym (Bullying) 3pm

◙ February 24             Team Panther Basketball Half-Time Show

◙ February 25             Team Panther Basketball @ 9:00am

◙ March 6                   Conferences 6:30 to 8:30

◙ March 8                   Conferences 4:30 to 6:30

Feel free to contact us anytime with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Patrick B. Olson
Pre K-12 Principal

School District of Prairie Farm
715-455-1861 ext. 158
polson@prairiefarm.k12.wi.us