October is National Bullying Prevention Month. While the term bullying can take on different meanings depending on the context, it is most often defined as unwanted, repeated behaviors that create a power imbalance. Regardless of the definition, we can all agree on one simple human expectation: everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
It is also clear that bullying continues to evolve and has changed tremendously with the presence of online activity and social media. We have many bullying prevention efforts that take place throughout the school year at Triton, but most importantly, we continue to model and emphasize our Profile of a Graduate. The Profile of a Graduate prioritizes the human being skills needed for success in life, regardless of future career goals or aspirations.
I will be the first to admit that there is always more work to be done to prevent bullying and inappropriate behavior. We will not shy away from this important responsibility because every person and student at our school has value, and we want every student to reach their full potential. For meaningful learning to take place, students need to feel safe, respected, welcomed, and supported. Bullying prevention, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices are all part of our proactive approach throughout the course of the school year and not just during Bullying Prevention Month.
At Triton Elementary, our teachers conduct morning circle meetings. During this time, they are implementing the Second Step Curriculum. Second Step is a research-based Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Program built around improving empathy, compassion, emotion management, problem solving, bullying prevention, and goal setting. Triton Elementary also celebrates positive student behavior through the Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports (PBIS) HERO Program, which recognizes students who demonstrate our core values of respect, responsibility, hard work, and safety.
Students at Triton Middle and High School have homeroom and advisory lessons designed to identify and stop bullying. Middle school students have health classes every other day with lessons that focus on bullying prevention, empathy, conflict resolution, violence prevention, self-esteem, confidence, stress management, and depression. They also receive Second Step lessons from our School Counselor that focus on defining bullying and how to respond appropriately.
Triton Middle School has also adopted the six-step “On the Spot Bullying Intervention” from the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. These steps are designed to stop bullying immediately, protect the student being targeted, and send a clear message that bullying is unacceptable. The six steps include:
1. Stop the bullying
2. Support the student who was bullied
3. Address the student(s) who bullied
4. Empower bystanders
5. Impose immediate, appropriate consequences if needed
6. Follow up later
We also utilize Gaggle Monitoring and the Speak Up Safety Tip Line to further support student safety. The Gaggle program reviews student account activity for potential concerns that include bullying, self-harm, violence, drug/alcohol use, and other risk-related behaviors. The Speak Up Tip Line offers students a confidential, 24/7 way to report safety concerns such as bullying, harassment, self-harm, or threats. This system is accessible on student devices and through our school website, www.triton.k12.mn.us. Together, these tools help us maintain a safe environment and ensure that students have clear pathways to seek help when needed.
While our efforts extend beyond October, we participated in national events such as World Day of Bullying Prevention on October 6 and Unity Day on October 22. Ultimately, we are working to help all students develop the skills needed to become successful, and a major part of that is being kind, compassionate, and respectful. We do not always know what others are going through, but we can always control how we treat one another.
I hope every Triton graduate leaves our school prepared to lead a healthy, fulfilling life, and they are eager to have a positive impact on the lives of others. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Luke Lutterman, Triton Superintendent
(507) 418-7530
llutterman@triton.k12.mn.us
