August 2010 - The Plainview-Old Bethpage School District

Minutes of School Board Meeting – August 9, 2010 -4-School ClimateMr. Dempsey discussed “School Climate” and what this means. He stated that a whileago he and a group of administrators established the Social and Emotional LiteracyForum. This is a volunteer collaborative network of educators from Nassau and Suffolkcounties seeking to enhance school climate and increase academic achievement. Hediscussed its mission statement. School climate is a subject that includes bullying andcyber-bullying.Mr. Dempsey spoke of Mr. Halligan, a guest speaker who described his family’sexperience with bullying. His presentation was moving and was received well by thestudents and the parents. He spoke of the forum that was hosted by Senator Hannon atMattlin Middle School and how successful that was. He spoke of a group of Plainview-Old Bethpage parents and what they are trying to do to eliminate bullying in the schools.The Town of Oyster Bay has been in touch with him regarding what can be done towardeliminating bullying and educating the community.Discussion:Mrs. Lieberman stated that she was thrilled that we are looking at this very importantsubject. We have to make sure that we have a curriculum that piggy backs every year.It has to start in the kindergarten. When a child sees something, they should saysomething. You have to change the process starting with the younger children. Sheasked if it were possible to develop our own policy on bullying. She also stated that wehave to have consequences. If a child does something, there has to be a consequence.She spoke of a program in Norway and how successful it was.Parents, students and staff have to be on the same page. She expressed her view thata team approach is necessary. We have to teach our kids the end result.Mr. Cepeda appreciates that we are looking at this topic. They come up in cycles.Bullying does not only occur in the school setting. It happens in the community setting.Many times it then goes into the work place. We have to look at the whole picture. Wehave to bring in other groups from the community. This is a social issue that needs tobe addressed. He stated that it has to be broad. He reiterated that we have to bring inother groups.Mrs. Schulman feels we should reach out to the community. Parents need help andinformation especially in the area of technology. We have to help parents learn abouttechnology.