Bullying prevention in Lake Orion schools got a little boost in the arm last Wednesday night.
At the March 14 school board meeting assistant superintendent Heidi Kast announced four donations from local businesses and groups for the Olweus Bullying Prevention program.
Representatives from Lakes Community Credit Union, Lake Orion’s Rotary Club, and Lake Orion Education Foundation formally presented checks to the district for over $11,200. Kast mentioned the district also received a $1,000 donation from the Sagebrush Cantina.
Kast expressed gratitude to the community for, ‘Embracing this initiative and supporting this great cause.?
According to the district’s website, ‘Olweus [pronounced Ol-VEY-us] Bullying Prevention program is a comprehensive program designed for use in schools. Its goals are to reduce and prevent bullying problems among school children and to improve peer relations at school.?
The program is in its second year at Oakview Middle School and has expanded to Lake Orion High School and Pine Tree Elementary this school year.
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Also, on the bullying prevention front, the board opened up discussion to the audience of about 60 in regards to a proposed bullying policy. The public hearing for the second reading lasted all of 30 seconds, as no audience participation was forth coming.
The board approved the second reading for the revision of Policy 5517.01 — in regards to bullying and ‘other? aggressive behavior towards students. The policy revision stemmed from Michigan’s ‘Matt’s Safe School Law? which was signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on Dec. 6.
As part of this legislation, ‘each school district . . . (must) adopt and implement a policy prohibiting bullying at school (no) later than June 6, 2012.?
Lake Orion beat the deadline with plenty of time to spare. Copies of the new and improved policy are available at the board of education office.