PA CARES: Bullying Prevention in Pennsylvania Schools

PA CARES (Creating an Atmosphere of Respect and Environment for Success) helps decrease bullying behaviors; enhance intervention efforts; provide safe and productive learning environments; and improve school response and reaction to bullying by establishing school-based bullying prevention programs. PA CARES is funded by the Highmark Foundation.

PA CARES offers grant opportunities for schools interested in implementing the research-based Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP). Schools that are chosen to participate receive materials and resources for all staff, a small monetary award, and training/technical assistance to support implementation of the OBPP.

In the past five years, the Highmark Foundation provided more than 260 Pennsylvania elementary, middle and high schools – with a total student population of more than 180,000 – with the tools and resources needed to implement the OBPP.

The application period for the 2011-2012 school year is now closed. Please check back for future announcements.

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OBPP Coordinating Committee Add-on Training

October 6 – 7, 2011; Edinboro, PA

The Center for Safe Schools is pleased to announce an additional OBPPCC Add-On Training in Western Pennsylvania. This event is specifically designed to support the sustainability of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) in schools involved in bullying prevention activities supported by the Highmark Foundation.

This two-day event is being offered for those individuals who wish to join their school’s Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee. This training will provide an in-depth overview of the OBPP components covered in day one and review necessary strategies for maintaining and strengthening the school’s bullying prevention program. Specifically, the training will offer targeted information on maintaining a bullying prevention coordinating committee, using data to strengthen the program, enhancing supervision, the tracking and intervention processes, involving parents and working with the community.

Agenda at a Glance (draft)
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.               Registration
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.             OBPCC Training
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.             Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.               OBPCC Training

Location
October 6 – 7, 2011
Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit # 5
252 Waterford Street, Edinboro, PA

Their phone number is 814-734-5610 and directions can be found at their website: http://www.iu5.org.

Registration Information

• The training events are free of charge to schools implementing the OBPP within Highmark Service Regions.
• Travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of the participants; however this may be an allowable expense for PA CARES Grantees.
• Lunch will be provided for all participants.
• Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the session will conclude at 3:00 p.m.
• Act 48 credit hours will be provided.

To register, click here.

Questions
If you have any questions regarding these events please contact Debby Barry, Project and Resource Development Assistant, at (717) 763-1661 ext. 114 or dbarry@csc.csiu.org.

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Highmark Foundation Bullying Prevention Institute

Visit the Highmark Foundation Bullying Prevention Institute for professional development opportunities, resources and more information about the implementation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program in Pennsylvania.