Palisades programs focus on bullying prevention

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Palisades School District has many programs in place to educate students about what they can do to prevent bullying and help their peers to not participate in this type of detrimental and hurtful behavior.
Three schools in the district – Palisades High School, Middle School and Durham Nockamixon Elementary School – have received the distinction of being a No Place for Hate by the AntiDefamation League. In order to receive this honor, the schools must participate in three schoolwide activities each year, which help to prevent bullying and to enrich the school’s climate.
Throughout Palisades curriculum, especially in the Wellness and Fitness area, and with the support of other programs such as Second Step (elementary) and Life Skills (PALMS/PHS), discussion topics with students include managing stress and anger, self esteem, interpersonal communications, and healthy decision making. This regular conversation with students and the educational and behavioral standards that are set for them in the schools is the foundation of the district’s mission and vision, which includes collaboration and having a safe environment in which our students can thrive and learn.
Additionally, one of the core competencies (expectations) that Palisades has established for students is “respect for self and others.”

These expectations for learning and behavior are part of the district’s Comprehensive Plan (2020-23). As part of the Comprehensive Planning process, the district surveys students, as well as parents, community members, staff and teachers, to determine areas of focus for the Plan.
Under the Wellness initiative, a focus area for our district’s current plan, the team is working on continuing to create a climate, educational opportunities, and resources to enhance the emotional well-being and safety of our students.
Other important programs Palisades employs to build self esteem, communications skills and self regulation, include: School Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (grades K-8), Restorative Practices (districtwide), Link Crew Peer Mentoring (PHS), and Responsive Classroom (K-8). The district also invites outside speakers to its schools; they include Network of Victims Assistance (NOVA), A Woman’s Place and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

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