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Bullying can have a significant impact on students. Bullied students often suffer from anxiety, fear, withdrawal, low self-esteem, and poor concentration. They will often avoid school, have lower grades, and become socially isolated. Bullying prevention starts with ensuring the well-being of students.

One of our initiatives to address the well-being of our scholars is the Second Step platform, which provides a holistic approach to research-based strategies and training for our staff on how to effectively reduce bullying behaviors by blending social emotional learning (SEL) and Positive Behaviors Intervention and Supports (PBIS). We are also implementing Restorative Practice programs throughout our school district as another layer of support.

Our holistic approach involves our scholars, families, teachers, and support team working together to ensure positive results. We stand against bullying and are committed to ensuring a safe environment for our scholars and staff.

In December of 2012, twenty-six people, of which most were elementary school students, were shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut. Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley were among parents who loss their children during the unfortunate incident. However, they turned their tragedy into a call for action by establishing the Sandy Hook Promise Fund, which addresses the root causes of youth violence.

One of their programs is "Start with Hello." Each year thousands of schools and youth organizations nationwide participate in week dedicated to making new connections and creating a sense of belonging for youth. "Start With Hello" helps to build a culture of inclusivity and empathy in three steps 1) See someone alone: Learn how to recognize the signs of loneliness and social isolation; 2)Reach out and help: Find out what you can do to help others feel included; and 3) Start with Hello: Break the ice and strike up a conversation. The campaign is held in September each year.

Last month, Colin Powell Middle School pariticpated in "Start with Hello"and created an awesome video of staff members reciting the pledge and saying "hello." This month we established the "Start With Hello" campaign throughout the school district as one of our bullying prevention initiatives. Staff and scholars at each of our schools are reciting the pledge, submitting videos, taking pictures and posting the pledge throughout the buildings.

Neil Armstrong has also participated in the Start With Hello Campaign (see more information below).

Each of our schools are promoting additional bullying prevention, acceptance, and inclusivity activities throughout the month in addition to on-going PBIS and SEL programming.

Look out for our videos on our social media platforms!

Ms. Brown and her class are committed to our Start With Hello campaign. Last week the entire class recited the pledge and promised to be good classmates to other students! Congratulations Class 2B! Great job Small Astros!

Click below to see 2B and their pledge!

Exciting news from Woodgate!

Family PE Week was October 2nd-6th. This was a wonderful opportunity to share with our students’ parents that physical education is about teaching, learning and having fun through active participation. Families completed PE challenges, joined in their students PE class, rolled out to Tinley Park Skating Rink for an awesome time of skating and ended the week with parties to celebrate our classes that had the most participation all week long.

This has been an amazing time at the Wildcat Den! We are grateful and look forward to continuing to move and grow together all year long!. A special shout out to our PE teacher, Mrs. Payton!

Below are a few pictures from our amazing week.

Mrs. Erin Thorne,

Principal

During the month of October, Dr. Brunson is hosting her Fall Chat & Chew at each of our buildings to meet parents and listen to their thoughts, comments and concerns. On October 11th, she met with members of Woodgate families and received open and honest feedback.

In addition to addressing the safety of our scholars, the cleaniness of our community, education initiatives, and social emotional learning support, discussions were had in regards to positive affirmations for our scholars.

As a result, we are working with one of our parents, Mr. Eddie Rogers to create affirmation posters and yard signs that will be placed around our schools and throughout the community. If you are interested is placing a yard sign in your lawn, email us at communications@dist159.com.

We invite you to attend an upcoming Chat & Chew. See the schedule below for more information.

Email: communications@dist159.com
Website: www.dist159.com
Location: 20700 Matteson Avenue, Matteson, IL, USA
Phone: 708-720-1300