Creating peaceful school environments: bullying and violence prevention
The links below connect to resources for helping students and your school community by working to prevent violence.

According to the October 2006 "Violence Prevention E-Brief" from the Chicago Department of Public Health, written in response to the nationwide incidence of school violence in September-October 2006:
Schools are the safest place for children -- safer than the street, the mall, or even the home. According to the Justice Policy Institute, 99 percent of children's deaths occur away from school, after hours, and during holidays. It's important that schools are safe havens for learning.

Some of us argue for "hard" responses such as metal detectors, added security personel, and zero-tolerance for weapons possession. Others favor "soft" solutions that include more counseling, conflict-resolution programs, and better communications between school and home.

It will take a combination of both approaches, administered with reason and centered in respect, to keep our children -- along with the education employees who work in our schools -- safe from harm.

Bye Bye Bullies!
Production for schools by the National Theatre for Children, with classroom and home curriculum from Safe & Caring Schools

Help for parents of a bullied child
Three-step plan to help parents of a child being bullied

It's NOT Just Joking Around: Jodee Blanco
Global anti-bullying activist, MESPA Institute 2008 keynote speaker

Kids Against Bullying, information from PACER
A Web site to help children prevent bullying has been launched by PACER Center, a national parent center located in Minnesota. The site is geared for all elementary school youngsters, including those with disabilities.

Minnesota Department of Education
The department offers extensive resources on peacemaking, bullying prevention, and restorative measures within Safe and Healthy Learners and The Minnesota School Safety Center.

School Safety from the National Education Association

School Safety: Lessons Learned
60-page publication with Minnesota resources and perspective, from the U.S. Attorney's office.

Steps to Respect (anti-bullying curriculum)

Wakanheza Project, The
The Wakanheza Project gives schools, teachers, parents, and communities tangible, easy to use tools that work to reduce tension and barriers that lead to harsh words or actions.

Youth Frontiers
Youth Frontiers is a nonprofit organization that partners with schools to create more positive school communities.




Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association
1667 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
651.999.7310     MN toll free 800.642.6807    
Fax: 651.999.7311     E-mail: mespa@mespa.net