Here's How Carlsbad Unified Schools Work To Prevent Bullying

CARLSBAD, CA — October is National Bullying Prevention Month. The campaign aims to bring attention to the bullying problem and involve people nationwide in a conversation on how to create a world safe from bullying.

In Carlsbad Unified School District, preventing bullying is not just a priority in October, it is an ongoing commitment.

All elementary sites are implementing "Sanford Harmony" as the social-emotional curriculum designed to build healthy relationships and develop strong school-wide learning communities, according to Rick Grove, assistant superintendent of personnel services. Sites are also teaching digital citizenship lessons at all grade levels, with one of the topics addressing cyberbullying.

Also see: Unity Day: What It Is, How To Participate In Carlsbad

Here are some other programs and initiatives at Carlsbad schools:

Hope Elementary School: Red Ribbon Week activities tie into bully prevention. The school also started a new program called "Hawk Eyes," which is designed to encourage male figures to volunteer on campus to promote inclusion, kindness and positive behavior.

Jefferson Elementary School: Jefferson Elementary is celebrating "Unity Day" and "Mix It Up Day" in conjunction with Healthy Choices Week. Grove is also reading "The Invisible Boy" to each class. The school is promoting being a "Friendship Hero," which stems from the book.

"The super power of a 'Friendship Hero' is making friends wherever they go," Grove said.

Valley Middle School: Valley Middle School shows anti-bullying videos and promotes discussion during reading time. The school's GSA Club hosts Ally Week. School counselors lead a "Lunch Crew" group.

Related: Bullying Prevention Month For Carlsbad Schools

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying and a child's unthinkable decision to end their own life in hopes we might offer solutions that save lives.

Do you have a story to tell? Are you concerned about how your local schools handle bullies and their victims?

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