Bully Proofing Excelsior

Bullies beware!!! As the first residential treatment center in the nation to institute a campus-wide anti-bullying campaign, Excelsior Youth Center is launching the Olweus Bully Prevention Program. Researchers from Colorado State University are eagerly conducting an outcome study to evaluate the effectiveness of this bully prevention program with troubled teenaged girls.

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"Our girls, though toughened by the streets, are looking for structure and discipline in their lives just like all kids," explains Carol Beauchamp-Hunter, Excelsior's Associate Director and Director of Treatment. "I am very confident and hopeful the Olweus program will work with our difficult kids because everyone has an active role including the kids. We've trained student leaders who will help us introduce the strategies to the other girls. The more the girls are actively involved, the better our success."

Besides student involvement, another key to its success, according to Beauchamp-Hunter, is the consistency of messages from all staff members. Every employee at Excelsior is expected to confront bullying when observed and not only address the bully, but particularly let the person being bullied know it's not acceptable to be treated that way. "That's a crucial message for the victimized person," she says.

"Since Excelsior is always striving to provide a healthier, safer environment and peer culture, we were very excited when we discovered the Olweus program. We expect to reduce the opportunities for bullying and improve peer relationships, classroom behaviors and living conditions."

In addition to the kick-off with fun activities this week where each girl receives a hand painted anti-bullying t-shirt and other special events, the girls will continue to receive weekly school meetings and weekly groups in the cottages where they reside. More than 300 Excelsior employees have completed the 4-hour Olweus training sessions and this topic is now part of the on-going new staff orientation sessions. A committee of 10 staff members meets monthly to review progress. Partial funding for this program has come from Colorado's Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program to reduce teen violence. Continued community support will ensure its longevity.

Each girl completes initial questionnaires of their bullying attitudes and then a post survey will be conducted later to measure behavior changes. Kathy Rigsby and Jan Evenstadt of Colorado State University in conjunction with Dr. Marlene Snyder of Clemson University are conducting the outcome study of its effectiveness in an all girls residential setting. The Olweus program, developed over the past 30 years, has been implemented worldwide with good results in public schools.

"I remain hopeful since research has shown if you reduce aggression and anti-social behaviors, it will also reduce substance abuse," concludes Beauchamp-Hunter.

"The repeat survey is generally done after the program has been in place for a year. I would wait at least nine months before doing it again, as it does take time for the momentum to get going. I rather doubt that you will see any great changes for at least 4-5 months. We can certainly keep track of what is going on and then make the judgment as to when to survey again." Kathy Rigsby

Side bar: Signs posted around campus:
We will not bully others
We will try to help students who are bullied.
We will make it a point to include students who are easily left out.
When we know somebody is being bullied, we will tell any staff member.

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Sterling Silver Hot Air Balloon Lapel Pin With $25 Donation!

Ever Upward! Get your beautiful, sterling silver hot air balloon lapel pin today for a donation of only $25! Provided by Bud Gregory, Bill Gregory's son, these fine pieces are suitable for men and women and are available while supplies last. If you are interested in purchasing one of these gorgeous pins, please follow the instructions on the Donate Now page and type "Balloon Pin" in the Special Instructions/Comments section if you choose to donate online. If you have any further questions, please contact Kathy Graveley at 303-693-1550 ext. 226. Thank you for supporting Excelsior Youth Center!

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