Garden City Middle School’s Anti-Bullying Approach

The Garden City Middle School has developed a comprehensive program to prevent bullying based on the Olweus Bullying Prevention program. Olweus, developed by Norwegian research professor Dr. Dan Olweus, is a nationally recognized and proven program focusing on prevention and bully reduction.

The program, backed by 35 years of research, is centered on a whole school approach based on the belief that anti-bullying needs to be addressed at every level of a student's experience.    

The middle school's program was implemented two years ago and follows the B.R.A.V.E. program, which was the school's original initiative.

Kim Greenwald, the middle school's anti-bullying coordinator, explains, "We've adopted a community-based approach. Our philosophy is to infiltrate inside and outside of the classroom to facilitate bully reduction and focus on prevention."

Greenwald adds, "The main target of the program is the 'bystander,' who represents the majority, and offers the greatest opportunity for change. This is not a program based on 'who' are the bullies."

Greenwald says that even though the program is based on the Olweus formula, they have tailored it to meet the needs of the school. The goals of the program are to reduce and prevent bullying and achieve better peer relations.

The program is fluid as feedback is continually being gathered. For example, "Mix It Up Day" was developed based on student feedback concerning cliques at lunch.  On "Mix It Up Day" students sit next to someone different at lunch.

Olweus is a long term, system-wide program for change involving program components at four levels:  school, classroom, individual and community. This four pronged approach is the key to the program's success.  

At the school level, all staff members are involved in the anti-bullying crusade. A team consisting of the principal, assistant principals, guidance counselors, anti-bullying coordinator, home base advisor and the school's social worker guide efforts and initiate training.  

It is at the classroom and individual levels where the program stands out.  Students get involved through a "Peer Leadership" program. There are approximately 120 leaders in the school and they are chosen by their home base teachers.

Leaders are trained to introduce themed lessons and the issues are current and relatable. Sample lessons include discussions on popularity, non-verbal communication and put downs/stereotypes.    

Greenwald explains, "We use communication tools such as YouTube. This is what kids are using every day and we're trying to speak their language."  

The home base coordinator, sixth grade teacher Mrs. Holleran, facilitates lesson plans using literature, poetry and art to generate discussions; games are played to foster socialization and student connections. Strategies on how to get involved positively and being proactive are encouraged.  

At the community level, parents are kept up-to-date and initiatives are publicized throughout the community and in the principal's monthly newsletter.  

The program has made an impact. "We've seen more students step up to let us know when a situation occurs." says Greenwald. "The program has definitely raised awareness."

The school also sponsors anti-bullying assemblies, an anti-bullying club and an annual anti-bullying expo. The expo is a key school event; classes receive invitations and programs are distributed. Activities include a sculpture exhibit, anti-bullying games, donation corner and more.

The anti-bullying message is ubiquitous at the school. As soon as visitors walk through the front door they are greeted by a "Random Acts of Kindness Board." Staff members nominate students for the board when they are observed doing a good deed. 

Perhaps it's the little things that can make a difference. The school day begins with the national anthem and a different version is intentionally played each morning. One day Carrie Underwood is belting out the anthem and the next morning it might be Miley Cyrus - another, albeit, subtle way to teach students to celebrate each other's differences.