Sikeston schools institute program to combat bullying

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Counselors in the Sikeston School District are in the process of training students and staff members on the effects of bullying.

"Bullying has been such a nationwide concern with parents and teachers and students alike," said Helen Hensley, Sikeston early childhood counselor.

Last school year Sikeston counselors attended Missouri National Education Association's No MOre Bullying conference in St. Louis.

"It was a really intensive, two-day conference where we learned how to get everybody in the district -- from bus drivers to administrators to janitors and teachers -- involved in a bullying prevention program," Hensley said.

She said that while bullying has never been tolerated in the district, there is now an official bullying prevention program. This year counselors and teachers are working to get resources into the classrooms and work with students to help them identify bullying and know what to do if they see it.

"We want students to learn to accept responsibility. A lot of times kids don't know what they should do if they do see it happening," Hensley said.

Counselors already conduct guidance lessons and discuss how to get along with others, even with preschool students. Information is also shared with parents through newsletters. A counselor advisory committee made up of educators, parents and community members has also been formed.

"A lot of times parents may see things happen at the bus stop and just to have them aware of what to be looking for and what do if they see things happening is a great help," Hensley said.

Next year the goal is to get parents more involved and have a workshop for them at the beginning of the year, Hensley said.

Tonya Johnson, sixth-grade counselor at the Sikeston Fifth and Sixth Grade Center, said bullying at the school usually includes students spreading of rumors, gossiping and threatening to fight, even they don't actually intend to.

It takes the entire school district to get a bullying prevention program to work, Hensley said.

"We want our students to feel safe at school and at bus stops," Hensley said. "That's the only way we're going to raise good, caring adults is if they feel safe here."