Kentucky School Boards Association
Across the Board: Service, Support & Success
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2012 Bullying Prevention Symposium
The 1st Bullying Prevention Symposium will take place in Richmond, KY on March 19, 2012 and feature experts in bullying and cyber bullying prevention. Presenters will address signs of bullying, bullying in athletics, youth risk online, positive online behavior, and many other topics related to recognizing and preventing bullying in Kentucky schools.

This one day symposium will feature two keynote speakers and participants will be able to choose from 16 breakout sessions.
Opening Session (8:15-9:15 a.m.)
8:15AM - 9:15AMBullying 101: Understanding the Who, When and Why of Bullying and What We Can Do To Stop It (Location: Quads A,B,C,D)
Bullying has long been excused as "part of growing up" but research increasingly indicates that it is a pervasive problem with severe impacts on student academic performance as well as student health and well-being. In this presentation, former Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education, Kevin Jennings, will help particants understand the phenomenon of bullying and outline steps both instutitions and individuals can take to reduce the incidence of bullying in their schools.

(A) Breakout Sessions (9:30-10:45 a.m.)
9:30AM - 10:45AMA1. Bullying and Suicide: What You Need to Know (Location: Quad A)
Are adolescent bullying and suicide related? Who is at risk? This workshop explores the relationship between suicide and bullying among children and adolescents and outlines strategies for preventing these problems.
9:30AM - 10:45AMA2. THIS SESSION IS FULL-PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER SESSION!!! Psychology of Bullying (Location: Quad B)
The bully has often been cast as the mean student who has little remorse and likes to exert power over other students, while the victum is perceived as the innocent who endures the bully's aggression. However, bullying is never so clear-cut. This session will foucs on how bullying serves a purpose for students, both socially and developmentall. It will also take a deeper look into the mental states of the bully, victum, bully-victum and bystander, and the eventual cost borne by all.
9:30AM - 10:45AMA3. R-E-S-P-E-C-T (Location: Quad C)
Thousands of students stay home every day because they fear harassment or bullying at school. Over 1/3 Kentucky high school students say that they have been bullied. One resounding problem all schools have to face daily is the bullying issue. When faced with a serious discipline issue that can consistently have a “preachy” negative effect on schools; combat it with a positive message the whole school can rally around, “RESPECT!” If the school can replace the bullying behavior with common curiosity and RESPECT a more positive spirit would resonate through the walls and give the students a safer environment in which to live and learn. This interactive session will use the classic Aretha Franklin Song RESPECT and highlight how your school can have less “bullying” and more RESPECT!
9:30AM - 10:45AMA4. Very Important Girls-No Girls Allowed (Location: Quad D)
Very Important Girls (VIG) and No Girl’s Allowed (NGA )Days are research based programs that were developed at Pulaski Elementary School to reduce and prevent identified issues of Relational Aggression including bullying, sexual harassment and intolerance of diversity. VIG and NGA can be implemented with any upper elementary or middle school population. Participants will learn step by step how to plan a full day of gender specific activities to prevent relational aggression issues throughout the entire school year.
9:30AM - 10:45AMA5. The Rise of Cloud Bullying: Farther, Faster and Fiercer (Location: Room 211)
The explosive growth of the Internet and child access to high-powered electronic devices has fundamentally changed the nature of bullying among children. A certain amount of bullying has always occurred in and around schools, but a staggering array of online services and devices now make it possible for children to harass classmates remotely and in ways unimagined even a decade ago. At the same time, teen dependence on social media and the very devices used for bullying make it increasingly difficult for a victim to escape his or her abusers. This presentation will review electronic bullying trends, discuss the warning signs for both bully and victim, and offer advice for teachers and parents on how to minimize and prevent electronic harassment.
9:30AM - 10:45AMA6. In Search of Fairness in KY Schools-Anti-Bullying Laws and Beyond (Location: Room 214)
The Fairness Campaign joins the ACLU of Kentucky and the University of Louisville's Office for LGBT services to address the persistent problem of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender bullying in our schools. Participants will hear first-hand from students who have testified in Frankfort the disastrous effects of this often subtle and systemic bullying that frequently leads to isolation, depression, and suicide in young teens.

(B) Breakout Sessions (11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.)
11:00AM - 12:15PMB7. Making Mutt-i-grees Matter: One Kentucky School's Reflection on Implementation (Location: Quad A)
Ponderosa Elementary in Boyd County was one of only three schools in the United States to first pilot the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum. This workshop provides an overview of the Curriculum and ideas for successful implementation. Learn the Mutt-i-gree dance, “Walkin’ the Dog,” praised by famed dog whisperer and Mutt-i-gree financial sponsor, Cesar Millan, and leave with make-and-take items. There are also prize giveaways; so, bark up the right tree and come to this session to learn some new tricks!
11:00AM - 12:15PMB8. Signs of Bullying (Location: Quad B)
A student is hesitant to go out for recess. Another student dawdles by his classroom during transition time. These student behaviors could be one of many possible signs of bullying. This session will focus on how to assess risk factors that contribute to bullying and for signs of students who are being targeted by bullies.
11:00AM - 12:15PMB9. Bullying in Athletics (Location: Room 214)
The practice of hazing and bullying has become a scourge to our educational pursuits. It detracts from the overall educational goals for the children we serve and the community as a whole. While not a new phenomena, hazing and bullying drains the already limited resources of staff, administration and negatively affects the community's perception of our schools. The discussion will focus on how these behaviors undermine the confidence of students and parents in the school corporation and how to best battle against them. This workshop will explain their origin and offer some thought provoking and logical solutions to thwart this practice.
11:00AM - 12:15PMB10. THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL-PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER SESSION!!! Power of a Strenght-Based Approach in Preventing Bullying (Location: Quad C)
Strength-based practice is an emerging approach to guiding students and, in particular, those with emotional and behavioral issues, that is exceptionally positive and inspiring. It's focus is on strengh-building vs. flaw-fixing. It begins with the belief that all young people have or can develop strengths and use past successes to curb problem behavior and enhance academic and social functioning. This inspiring and informative presentation will highlight many of the key principles and techniques of this transforming modality.
11:00AM - 12:15PMB11. The Rise of Cloud Bullying: Farther, Faster and Fiercer (Location: Quad D)
The explosive growth of the Internet and child access to high-powered electronic devices has fundamentally changed the nature of bullying among children. A certain amount of bullying has always occurred in and around schools, but a staggering array of online services and devices now make it possible for children to harass classmates remotely and in ways unimagined even a decade ago. At the same time, teen dependence on social media and the very devices used for bullying make it increasingly difficult for a victim to escape his or her abusers. This presentation will review electronic bullying trends, discuss the warning signs for both bully and victim, and offer advice for teachers and parents on how to minimize and prevent electronic harassment.
11:00AM - 12:15PMB12. In Search of Fairness in KY Schools-Anti-Bullying Laws and Beyond (Location: Room 211)
The Fairness Campaign joins the ACLU of Kentucky and the University of Louisville's Office for LGBT services to address the persistent problem of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender bullying in our schools. Participants will hear first-hand from students who have testified in Frankfort the disastrous effects of this often subtle and systemic bullying that frequently leads to isolation, depression, and suicide in young teens.

(C) Breakout Sessions (1:15-2:30 p.m.)
1:15PM - 2:30PMC13. Rachel's Challenge (Location: Quad A)
This presentation is an overview of the Rachel's Challenge program including information about the Friends of Rachel Club and how it has been implemented in our school. The "big idea" of Rachel's Challenge is implementing a school wide program that challenges students to show kindness and compassion in their school and community. While the program in itself is not an anti-bullying program, it does empower students to do the right thing. This session will explain how the Rachel’s Challenge program has potential to change your school culture into one that is positive for all students.
1:15PM - 2:30PMC14. Bullying-The Flip Side (Location: Quad B)
Bullying is a topic that is getting a lot of attention in our communities and media. What is it and what are the real problems? Participants will be asked to look at bullying from a completely different perspective. The untreated victim is the biggest safety threat to the schools. When it comes to bullying, everyone in the school is either part of the problem or part of the solution. Which side are you on? There is no middle ground!
1:15PM - 2:30PMC15. Bullying in Athletics (Location: Room 214)
The practice of hazing and bullying has become a scourge to our educational pursuits. It detracts from the overall educational goals for the children we serve and the community as a whole. While not a new phenomena, hazing and bullying drains the already limited resources of staff, administration and negatively affects the community's perception of our schools. The discussion will focus on how these behaviors undermine the confidence of students and parents in the school corporation and how to best battle against them. This workshop will explain their origin and offer some thought provoking and logical solutions to thwart this practice.
1:15PM - 2:30PMC16. Power of a Strength-Based Approach in Preventing Bullying (Location: Quad C)
Strength-based practice is an emerging approach to guiding students and, in particular, those with emotional and behavioral issues, that is exceptionally positive and inspiring. It's focus is on strengh-building vs. flaw-fixing. It begins with the belief that all young people have or can develop strengths and use past successes to curb problem behavior and enhance academic and social functioning. This inspiring and informative presentation will highlight many of the key principles and techniques of this transforming modality.
1:15PM - 2:30PMC17. THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL-PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER SESSION!!! Social Networking and Bullying (Location: Quad D)
Bullying.... We've been inundated with the word. In the 'old' days it was understood and recognized on the playgrounds. In this brave new world bullying takes place in both the real world and the cyber world. How is it being done? How can you prove it? What can you do about it?
1:15PM - 2:30PMC18. Where the Heart Is (Location: Room 211)
“Where the Heart Is” is a network of caring educators with the common goal of creating a sense of welcome and belonging for students transitioning to new schools and education programs. Going to a new school is difficult for any student, but at-risk students coming from alternative settings face additional barriers. Many of these youth have been in alternative placements due to abuse, neglect and behavioral challenges. One of the greatest fears these kids have is returning to their original schools, environments where perhaps they were “getting in trouble” or falling behind academically. This session will introduce the "Where the Heart Is" program and explain how to become involved.

Closing Session (2:45-3:45 p.m.)
2:45PM - 3:45PMInsights and Strategies in Surviving Girl Bullying! (Location: Quads: A,B,C,D)
How can we help our youth untangle from vines of relational aggression and bullying behaviors? This presenation by clinical social worker Kaye Randall will review the subtle behaviors of hositility and violence among girls and provide creative strategies to reduce bullying among students and create an environment of enmpowerment and connection where they will flourish and grow strong.