Karen McCuistonkmccuiston@murraystate.eduKentucky Center for School SafetyMurray State University

Kentucky Safe Schools Week

• The third full week of October is Kentucky Safe Schools Week!

• Schools across Kentucky focus on school safety issues in classrooms, in their schools and in their communities.

Kentucky Safe Schools Week• This year’s theme “LEAN On Me; Stop the Bullying!”

focuses on the culture of the school and the interdependence of students and staff to make their school safe, warm and welcoming.

• Within this overall culture students will be encouraged to support each other, connect with the staff and be diligent as they watch out for others in need.

• Fundamental to the “LEAN On Me” concept is straight from the song lyrics, “sometimes in our lives we all have pain and we all have sorrow” learning to depend on fellow classmates, trust the adults at school and to treat others well. This “culture of kindness” will support the subtitle of “STOP the Bullying” by getting to the root of the problem before episodes escalate.

Community AwarenessGet your community involved and prior to KY Safe Schools Week promote it in your area; in the newspaper, on the radio, on your school website, there is no limit!• Poster/Flyer• How to Take the Pledge Flyer• Badges or Stickers• Bookmarks• Lean On Me Theme Song Lyrics• Daily School Announcements• Press Release (Sample)• PSAs for Radio Spots• Proclamation have city or county officials sign the Safe

Schools Week Proclamation• Safe Schools Week PowerPoint• Promotional Video• Booklet of Handouts

• Click Here to Take the LEAN On Me; STOP the Bullying Pledge

• Print your very own certificate

• Watch your county stats grow with pride!

Handout to explain…How to take the online LEAN On Me;

STOP the Bullying Pledge!

School Campaign

Every school’s campaign be different to fit their needs• Emphasis will be placed on the “Lean On Me”

concept and connectivity throughout the school• Everyone in the school needs support one time or

another and being there for others is a significant way to create a healthy school climate.

• Some schools will use the Daily School Announcements on the PA system or Closed Circuit TV

School Campaign• Song lyrics are available to “Lean On

Me” for schools who want “flash mob” or use them for discussion or writing prompts.

• Some schools are having “Lean On Me; STOP the Bullying” days with the students wearing RED, their school logo for spirit, or school colors (indicating I’m here for you).

• Many are displaying their pledge certificates in rooms on walls in halls

Powerpoints• Powerpoints on safety issues– Bullying– Cyberbullying– Cell phones

and Sexting– Suicide Prevention

Role of a Teen – Gangs

Websites• Numerous websites for

teachers, students, counselors, SROs, Family Resource Centers or others to use to teach about bullying, cyberbullying, connectivity and more…

Handouts

• On various subjects– Bullying– Conflict– Sexting– Self Harm– Cyberbullying– Risky Behavior

• These can be used in classes or with parents or hung in the halls of the school.

Administrator Resources• Senate Bill 8 Guidance• Bullying Checklist• Connectivity Focus

Group• S.T.O.P Tipline• Survey for Bullying

(Using Survey Monkey or Google Drive)

• Training• Assessments• Mobile Site

Kentucky Safe Schools Week

• This year’s campaign can make a difference!

• Lean on others…

• Excel by treating others well…

• Achieve relationships…

• Notice and report if necessary…