Bully-Proofing for Successful Learning and Living

What does bullying look like in the schoolhouse? What strategies can you teach your student to prevent bullying behavior in your neighborhood or harassment in high school?

To address these topics, Quaker Valley School District has invited back ­­­­­­­­­­­­­Jim Bozigar to be the keynote speaker for two anti-bullying presentations for parents and community members on October 26, 2011.

Two sessions, each an hour and a half in length, have been scheduled to accommodate parents’ schedules, 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The afternoon session will be presented at the Sewickley YMCA on Blackburn Road, Sewickley. The evening session will take place at Edgeworth Elementary School, 200 Meadow Lane, Sewickley.

Learning about bullying is not just for those parents who suspect their child may be too aggressive on the playground. It is for all adults, especially those who interact with students on a regular basis in their homes, during scouting, or in carpool, for example.

Following Mr. Bozigar’s presentation based on the successful Olweus method, attendees will participate in breakout sessions where school counselors and administrators will conduct interactive discussions for parents focusing on the elementary, middle and high school age students. Quaker Valley discussion leaders will provide input as to what bullying may look like including online bullying, and how it is handled at each building level. Attendees will learn how adults can help young people with this issue. Time will be allotted to address specific questions by attendees.

“Last year, Mr. Bozigar’s presentation was so well received, we are inviting him to return and expanding the program in an effort to make it relevant for parents and community members. This is everyone’s problem and we want as many people ‘armed’ with good information and strategies,” Leah Wells, QVSD school psychologist, explained.

This anti-bullying presentation is just one component in Quaker Valley’s district-wide initiative to address bullying and School-wide Positive Behavior Support. The district understands that students cannot learn if they feel vulnerable or unsafe. A positive culture and safe environment are essential to learning and student achievement.

From our colleagues at Sewickley Academy--

Hello, everyone! You are all invited to the first Sewickley Series event of the year which takes place next Friday, October 21, at 7 pm in Rea Auditorium.

More to Live For is an inspiring and educational documentary told through the stories of three individuals all affected by bone marrow cancer. Each individual’s story is unique and demonstrates the many sides, options, challenges and hopes when dealing with blood cancer or leukemia. Seun Adebiyi – graduate of Yale Law School and winter Olympic hopeful – is one of the individuals in the film. He will be here to share more of his story and answer questions after the film.

In addition to the film, Sewickley Academy is hosting an open to the public blood and marrow drive on Friday, November 4.

For more information and to register, visit www.sewickley.org/sewickleyseries.

Brain Power

Parents and representatives from the community, QV, Montessori Children's Community, the Sewickley Y and others participated in Laughlin Children's Center's "Smart but Scattered" workshop on Monday, October 10th. The workshop featured authors Peg Dawson and Dick Guare, whose best-seller explains executive dysfunctions in children, and the ramificiations on school and homelife. Executive functions are those skills that allow us to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Or organize our time efficiently. Or help us remember where we left our backpack full of books. Some kids are naturally more adept at these executive functions, while other kids are not. Dawson and Guare gave the audience of almost 100 strategies and tips to help children all along the executive function spectrum, in a variety of settings.

This recent online article from National Geographic also looks at the brain and our kids. Powerful food for thought...
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/10/teenage-brains/dobbs-text/1