Bullying is defined as the intentional and repeated use of negative actions that can include verbal, physical, cyber, or psychological mistreatment. The consequences of bullying can include a fear for personal safety, depression , lack of personal and academic motivation and acting out in ways that are harmful to self or others.
Our society at large seems to have factions that tolerate and even celebrate bullying behavior. We, the staff and students of Novato High, do not want to be one of those factions. However, we see evidence of bullying behavior at NHS, mostly in the forms of exclusion, name-calling and cyberbullying. Whereas some students feel comfortable speaking with an adult about their or another's mistreatment, others may feel embarrassed, think that no one will listen or that the bullying will increase because of the attention. We want to ensure that all students who are being mistreated know there are people they can go to on campus to put an end to the bullying. We are implementing No Bully Solutions Teams, which are adult-facilitated, student-based groups. The team works to problem solve what can be done to eliminate the mistreatment and reconcile the students so they can feel safe and able to attend to their academics.
On Thursday, February 25th, we will have a special schedule to allow for two assemblies to educate students on their options if they or a peer is being mistreated. However, the purpose of the assembly is more than to simply educate the students on what bullying is and what can be done if it is occurring. The presentation will include a greater conversation about the importance and power of individual voice and collective action to improve our society here at NHS so bullying is lessened and ideally, absent from our campus.
We will focus on the following:
THINK before you act, speak, post, text
Be an UPSTANDER
Be OPEN
Be KIND
We are enthusiastic about this opportunity and appreciate your support in our efforts to help minimize bullying at Novato High School.
Sincerely,
Novato High School Administration
And School Climate Liason
