‘Little By Little’ Prague Middle School Sees Decrease in Bullying

Bullying at Prague schools is decreasing, an education consultant told state lawmakers today.

           Shawn Mills runs school anti-bullying and mediation programs as part of the Prague and Drug Free Schools and Communities Grant awarded to the Lincoln County Health Department and the Prague Turning Point Coalition by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Mills and Jennifer Nunn, a representative with the Lincoln County Health Department met with state Reps. Danny Morgan and Anastasia Pittman at the Capitol to discuss bullying.

          “The Prague coalition is doing an excellent job of addressing bullying in Prague schools and I thought it was important to bring them to the Capitol to discuss how other schools could make use of their model of action,” Morgan, D-Prague, said. “It’s great to see our community rally around bullying, and exciting that so many have stepped up as role models for our children to help them understand that bullying is not acceptable under any conditions.”

         Mills said 30 successful mediations have been conducted at the school, primarily for middle schools students. He also said every student at the middle school will have participated in the Botvin LifeSkills Training program or the Steps to Respect program by the end of the year. Programs will be beginning soon at both the Elementary and High School as well.

        “Do we still have bullying? Yes. But are we seeing a decrease? Yes,” Mills said. “Little by little, we’re stopping bullying in our schools. It didn’t start overnight and it isn’t going to end overnight.”

            October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and Morgan will participate in an assembly at Prague Middle School on Oct. 29 to recognize the administration, staff and students for their efforts and dedication to creating a bully-free school. Morgan will issue a proclamation making October Bullying Prevention Awareness Month at Prague Public Schools.

         “Prague Public Schools and their partnership with the Prague Turning Point Coalition is a shining example of schools and communities working together to help create a bully-free environment,” Morgan said.

    Prague Turning Point Coalition was named a 2010 Champions of Children’s Health Finalist at a reception held Monday, Oct. 18 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Prague Turning Point Coalition partners include:  The City of Prague, Prague Chamber of Commerce, Prague Public Schools, Prague Hospital, BancFirst, Red Cross, Vision Bank, Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, Lincoln County Health Department, members of the faith community and concerned citizens.

         The Prague Turning Point Coalition will also soon host the 3rd Annual Parent University, which will focus on cyberbullying. This event will occur from 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at Prague Middle School.