SMMUSD Focused on Safe, Family-Friendly Schools

October 6, 2017 5:30 PM
by Constance Farrell

The Olweus bullying-prevention program is focused on long-term change that creates a safe and positive school climate. The goals of the program are to reduce existing bullying problems among students, prevent the development of new bullying problems, and achieve better peer relations at school. SMMUSD has implemented the nationwide OUT for Safe Schools program at all secondary school sites, in partnership with Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association (SMMCTA), Service Employee International Union (SEIU), Santa Monica-Malibu PTA Council (SMMPTA), Los Angeles LGBT Center, and the Gay Straight Alliance Network. This program helps make school a safer, more welcoming place for all students. Staff wear badges that alert students to visible allies for LGBTQ students.

SMMUSD subscribes to the WeTip National School Safety Hotline. The anonymous hotline is effective in combating school crime, including vandalism, graffiti, bullying, violent crime, and child abuse. Access the hotlink through the SMMUSD Parent Link mobile app or by calling 800-78-CRIME. Restorative Justice (RJ) is used at Santa Monica High School in lieu of the Olweus bullying prevention program, and also includes helping create a safe and comfortable environment for all students through a cooperative and relationship-building process. “The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” said Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati.

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Authored By

Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager