• Stop-Walk-Talk Bully Prevention Program

    Stop-Walk-Talk is the anti-bullying program that is taught to elementary students in District 204. This program teaches students how to respond in bullying situations. In addition, Young staff talk with students about what bullying is and what it is not. Accidentally bumping into someone or politely declining an invitation to play is not bullying. Whereas, continuous teasing, pushing/poking or excluding a student from an activity are examples of bullying behavior.

    Stop-Walk-Talk

    Stop Teachers teach all students to say Stop or give the Stop hand signal. Students are to look at the other student and use a firm tone to tell the student to Stop. Students are encouraged to use the “Stop” signal if they are being bullied or if they see someone else being bullied. The student receiving the Stop signal should immediately stop what he or she is doing, take a deep breath, count to 3, and then go on with their day following our school rules. Students are reminded that they should stop what they are doing, regardless of whether they agree that they deserved the stop signal or not. By following these guidelines, students show respect for themselves and one another.

    Walk Away or Ignore

    If a student runs into the situation in which the other student ignores the verbal or visual stop signal, students are to Walk Away or Ignore the behavior. When it is not possible to walk away, such as while riding the bus, students are taught to “ignore” the student by looking the other way and not responding to them further either verbally or nonverbally.

    Talk

    If students have tried to solve the problem on their own using the steps of Stop and Walk, then students are to Talk to an adult to receive help. First, the staff member will ask the student about the problem. Then, they will ask the student if they used the “stop” signal and tried walking away. Students will be praised for trying these steps or reminded about using these steps first before talking to an adult. Finally, the staff member will discuss the problem behavior with the student who is engaging in the problem or disrespectful behavior. They will remind students what they are to do when they are given the stop signal by another student or students (e.g. immediately stop what they are doing, take a deep breath and count to 3, and continue with their day following our school rules). In addition, staff will enforce the appropriate consequence for breaking one of our school rules. Parents will receive notification from the school if their student continues to engage in disrespectful or unsafe behaviors.

    One important exception to the Stop-Walk-Talk sequence is when a student is in danger such as falling on the playground or fighting. In this case, students are told to immediately tell an adult.

    By encouraging students to use Stop-Walk-Talk, we are providing students with tools to advocate for themselves if they encounter problem behaviors from their peers.

    Project Respect: All students have the right to be treated with respect. In return, all students must respect the rights of others, maintain a positive attitude, and follow school rules. RESPECT is essential. Our School Values: Respect for Self; Respect for Others; and Respect for Property. If you or your child has concerns with teasing, bullying, or any other inappropriate comments or behavior please contact the classroom teacher or building administration so that we can immediately address the issue. Please know that we take these situations seriously. All students are valued members of our school community and should feel that the learning environment is safe and accepting.