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Oct. 20-26 observed as Kentucky Safe Schools Week with 2013 theme focused on preventing bullying, other risky behavior by students
Oct. 20-26 observed as Kentucky Safe Schools Week with 2013 theme focused on preventing bullying, other risky behavior by students

KCSS news release

In preparation for the upcoming observance of Kentucky Safe Schools Week, Commissioner of Education Dr. Terry Holliday and state Board of Education Chairman Roger Marcum recently signed a proclamation designating the third week in October, Oct. 20-26, as Kentucky Safe Schools week for all Kentucky schools. The signing took place during the Oct. 8 Kentucky State Board of Education meeting. Kentucky Center for School Safety Executive Director Jon Akers presented the proclamation to the state school board members.

The theme of this year’s Kentucky Safe Schools Week is S.T.O.P.! (Safety, Teamwork, Opportunities and Power) Bullying, Violence and Risky Behavior in our Schools!

Kentucky Center for School Safety encourages every school across the state to participate. Since last December’s school shooting in Newtown, Conn., Kentucky, along with the rest of America, has re-examined, re-evaluated and prioritized their school safety concerns and needs. The Kentucky Safe Schools Week theme this year addresses the cruelty of bullying, the fear of violence and the self-destruction of high-risk behavior on our campuses. During the week, students, staff, parents and community members will be encouraged to be part of the school’s safety team to stop a multitude of safety problems. This week’s positive focus will be on Safety, Teamwork, Opportunities and Power to S.T.O.P.! Bullying, Violence and Risky Behavior in our Schools, which supports a safe and respectful climate where all can succeed.

During this weeklong observance, a concerted effort will be made to bring together all Kentuckians to improve safety in our schools by educating students, staff and community members about school safety issues such as bullying, cyber-bullying, conflict, gangs, substance abuse, Internet safety and self-harm. The phrase “Join the team” encourages student groups to find opportunities to use their power to make schools a neighborhood “sanctuary” for academic, athletic and social purposes. Teachers will have a variety of resources to use during this week, including an online S.T.O.P.! pledge, PowerPoint presentations, lessons, interactive websites and much more. Resources will also be available for school administrators, parents and community members at www.kysafeschools.org/ssw.php.