Educators, professionals launch a statewide curriculum to help address bullying in Wisconsin schools.
Several groups join forces to support anti-bullying efforts. The coalition includes law enforcement, mental health, and various school groups.
“The DPI put together a fantastic curriculum to address anti-bullying. It’s received national attention. And so this coalition was formed to help promote it and to help offer their support and to get it in the schools.”
Steve Lyons, with WEA Trust acknowledges that bullying has been around forever, but says it’s time to prioritize it.
“Well, it’s really a call to action. It’s to put it on the front burner rather than the back burner.”
Lyons says too many times kids bring weapons to schools as a result of bullying. It’s believed that the heroic actions of Weston High School Principal John Klang three years ago saved many lives, but cost him his own life when he was shot by a student seeking revenge. Klang’s widow, Sue, is speaking in favor of this curriculum.
Lyons explains that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction approached WEA Trust, who thought it was important to help out. The group health insurer is covering the cost of printing the documents for all schools across the state.
NOTE: The Weston High School shooting occurred in Cazenovia on September 29, 2006. Fifteen-year-old student Eric Hainstock arrived via the main hallway and fatally shot principal John Klang. Hainstock is serving a life sentence.
Superintendent Tony Evers, Sue Klang, others meet at the capitol Tuesday to introduce their plan.
Jackie Johnson report (1:30 mp3)
