Here's How Napa Valley Unified Schools Work To Prevent Bullying

NAPA VALLEY, CA — October is National Bullying Prevention Month, meant to bring attention to the bullying problem and involve people nationwide in a conversation on how to create a world safe from bullying. In the Napa Valley Unified School District, the focus is on "building safe and caring learning communities," according to Mike Mansuy, director of Student Services for the district.

Alongside a firm district policy surrounding bullying, Mansuy told Patch the school district has robust protocols and training materials when it comes to the subject.

"We train administrators and counselors in how to effectively respond to reports of bullying," Mansuy said.

"Parents and students can help kids address and even prevent bullying by talking about it and sharing information with a trusted adult at school," Mansuy added.

To make it convenient for parents, NVUSD has a web page dedicated to Bullying & Harassment. The page provides warning signs that could indicate a child is experiencing bullying, as well as what to do if parents suspect their child may be doing the bullying. There is a link for filing a complaint, as well information about who the appropriate contacts are in the instance of bullying.

NVUSD notes on the page that it creates "a safe learning environment by implementing its BEST Program — Positive Behavior Interventions & Support — and the social emotional curriculum "Second Step (grades K-8) and Steps to Respect (grades 3 – 5)" to prevent bullying and promote responsible, respectful student behavior."

NVUSD also explains to parents that their "child is learning how to recognize, refuse, and report bullying when it happens to them or someone else. They are also learning friendship skills to reduce the risk of being bullied, including how to make friends, join a group and manage conflicts. School staff have been trained on how to receive a report of bullying from children (Affirm, Ask, Assess, Act) so please do not hesitate to report any concerns to your child's teacher or school principal."

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying and a child's unthinkable decision to end their own life in hopes we might offer solutions that save lives.

Do you have a story to tell? Are you concerned about how your local schools handle bullies and their victims?

Email us at bullies@patch.com and share your views in the comments.