SUPPORT SERVICES

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program -The problem of school bullying is one of growing dimension and is of great concern to teachers, parents, and children.  While not a new problem at schools, bullying can have lifelong consequences for both bullies and victims.  Children who continue to bully will not develop proper social skills.  Likewise, children who see that aggressors get what they want through bullying are more likely to accept or imitate this undesirable behavior.

The Solanco School District promotes a proven bullying intervention program based on the studies and research of Dr. Dan Olweus, Professor of Psychology.  The results that can be achieved by implementing this “whole school” approach to bullying are:

• A reduction in bully/victim problems.
• A reduction in anti-social behavior in students such as truancy, fighting, and even drug and alcohol abuse.

An improvement in the school social climate that reduces anxiety, provides safety, invokes respect, and builds confidence for all students  Bullying Parent brochure

Individual Counseling – A student can meet with the school counselor to share his/her academic or personal concerns, review his/her cumulative file, set goals, receive future educational and career information, etc…

Group Counseling – In this type counseling small groups (8-10 students) meet with the counselor to discuss similar concerns ranging from how to improve grades to developing life skills. Other support groups are geared toward students dealing with death or illness in their family or divorce and separation. Students must volunteer to participate in a group and parent permission is needed.

Parent Conferences/Consultations – Parents can call or send a note to make an appointment to see the counselor and/or teacher(s) to discuss their child’s academic progress, behavior or any other aspect of his/her development.

Instructional Support Team (IST) – The purpose of the Smith IST is to see that each child has the support necessary for a successful school experience. Members of our Instructional Support Team may include grade level teachers, unified arts teachers, parents, school counselor, nurse, principal, school psychologist, reading teacher, and learning support teacher. The IST develops instructional or behavioral strategies to help a student experience success in the school environment.

Student Assistant Program (SAP) – The Smith Middle School Student Assistant Program links students and families with community mental health and drug/alcohol counseling and support. SOAR Parent Brochure and SOAR Referral

Peer or Adult Tutoring – Students who are experiencing academic difficulty can arrange to be tutored by a student or adult who has volunteered his/her services. Student tutors are trained and monitored by a staff member.

Peer Helper Program – This program consists of 12 –16 eighth grade students who are trained by the school counselor and staff member to help classmates in a variety of situations.

Peer Mediation – Students are trained to assist their peers in handling conflict, in an effective and appropriate manner. Peer mediation provides a pro-active alternative to reducing violence and disruption not only in our schools, but also in society.

ATHLETICS

Fall Sports – Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football and Soccer

Winter Sports – Basketball, Wrestling

Spring Sports – Intramural Track

CAREER DAY