STEPP

1. Respect for Authority
   • Identify rules and explain their importance
   • Discuss home rules, school rules, and community rules
   • Introduce concept of laws (traffic and community laws)
   • List and discuss the importance of authority figures

    

2. Self Discipline
   • Review how feelings and friends affect behavior
   • Identify appropriate and inappropriate behavioral responses
   • Learn to follow rules
   • Emphasize how every response has consequences
   • Define self discipline and ways to use it

    

3. Safety at Home
   • Review door, phone and computer safety
   • Discuss fire, gun, medicines, and other dangers
   • Devise safety plans (when lost, in case of fire, etc.)
   • Practice role play scenarios and “what if” situations

    

4. Emergency 911
   • Introduce types of emergencies and ways to respond to them
   • Review and teach the importance of learning name and address
   • Discuss land line and cell phone usage
   • Students will learn about the Emergency Communication Center and its role in the community
   • Learn what assistance police, fire and EMS can give in emergencies

    

5. Bullying Prevention (taught if time permits)
   • Discuss aggressor / target / bystander / up-stander
   • Techniques to use if they are being bullied
   • Strategies to use if they observe bullying happening
   • Students will learn to model respectful behavior

1. Respect
   • Discuss the concept of respect for authority / student / staff / others
   • Stress the importance of good manners and showing courtesy
   • Teach the need for appreciating differences in people
   • Students will become aware of the differences between rules and laws

    

2. Stealing
   • Discuss how to protect one’s own property
   • Describe the concept of ownership
   • Explain the consequences of stealing

    

3. Stranger Awareness
   • Define stranger and acquaintance
   • Explain where strangers are found (including internet)
   • List rules and precautions for interacting with strangers
   • Discuss plans of action to equip students in staying safe

    

4. Standing Up for Yourself
   • Identify disrespectful or bullying behavior and its consequences
   • Discuss ways to prevent bullying in various locations
   • Strategies for responding to disrespectful behavior (stop / walk / talk)
   • Review the following: aggressor, target, by-stander, up-stander

    

5. Water/Summer Safety (taught if time permits)
   • Discuss safety rules of being around water
   • Train students to wear a bike helmet properly
   • Explore ways to stay safe as pedestrians

1. Respect for Authority

• • Discuss the importance of authority figures for students and staff
  • Learn how to show respect to everyone
  • Examine consequences of failing to follow directions / rules
  • Understand the importance of building respectful relationships

2. Decision Making

• • Discuss that every decision involves choices
  • Learn that decisions affect yourself and others
  • Explain the steps to making a decision
  • Identify concerns on the internet and explore consequences

3. Emergency Preparedness

• • Identify different types of emergencies
  • Learn importance of making a plan for emergencies
  • Students will become familiar with a weather forecast
  • Examine the steps to being prepared

4. Peer Pressure

• • Discuss how peers, parents, and teachers influence behavior
  • Identify the techniques for resisting negative influences
  • Promote accepting responsibility for one’s own behavior
  • Role play ways to resist negative peer pressure

5. Alternatives to Fighting (taught if time permits)

• • Discuss “triggers” that lead to fights and problems
  • Identify cool off techniques
  • Explore avoidance procedures
  • Explore other opportunities for solving problems

1. Respect for Authority

• • Learn the importance of showing respect to everyone
  • Explore the necessity for respecting people’s differences
  • Realize that everyone has strengths and weaknesses
  • List ways people can avoid prejudicial behavior

2. Responsible Citizen

• • Identify rights and duties
  • Discuss responsibilities of a student, a family or community member
  • Explore digital citizenship responsibility
  • Examine the consequences of irresponsible behavior

3. Crime Prevention

• • Define crime
  • Learn how not to be a victim
  • Practice assertive techniques that aid in crime prevention
  • Learn street-smart and stranger awareness mentality

4. Crime Resistance (Vandalism)

• • Discuss laws regarding vandalism
  • Explore various types of vandalism and who commits vandalism
  • Examine reasons why vandals vandalize
  • Review consequences of vandalism (for victims and perpetrators)

5. Crime Resistance (Shoplifting)

• • Identify what constitutes shoplifting
  • Explore the reasons why people shoplift
  • Examine techniques used in the prevention of shoplifting
  • Discuss consequences of shoplifting (for victims and perpetrators)

1. Respect (Self and Others)

• • Discuss the concept of self respect and personal rights
  • Examine ways to protect rights and retain self respect
  • Discuss problems that are created by stereotyping
  • List actions that bridge gaps and differences
  • Discuss respectful communication and actions

2. Decision Making / Digital Safety

• • Discuss the fact that for every decision there are many choices
  • List the steps necessary for making a good decision
  • Identify the consequences of one’s own decisions
  • Students will use decision making skills and digital concerns

3. Non-Violent Conflict Resolutions

• • Discuss how to identify problems / steps for solving problems
  • Good listening / bad listening skills (essential to problem solving)
  • Identify factors or triggers that lead to fights
  • Discuss how to manage anger and its impact on resolutions

4. Peer and Social Influences

• • Recognizing different types of pressures
  • Positive vs. negative pressure (how to resist)
  • Examine media advertisements and their influence on choices
  • Explore how peer and social influences effect our thoughts and behaviors

5. Drug Awareness (Types of Drugs and Effects on the Body)

• • Examine different types of substances used as drugs
  • Discover how drugs effect the brain and body
  • Explore the categories and the effects of legal and illegal drugs
  • Discuss the medicinal and non-medicinal uses of drugs

6. Alcohol Awareness

• • Examine the laws concerning underage alcohol use
  • Describe the effects of alcohol on the brain and body
  • Discuss reasons for alcohol misuse and abuse
  • Emphasize how every decision has consequences

7. Tobacco Awareness

• • Examine the laws concerning tobacco use (past and present)
  • List consequences and effects of tobacco/nicotine on the brain and body
  • Explore research concerning smoked, smokeless and vaping products
  • Emphasize how every decision has consequences

8. Responsible Citizen (taught if time permits)

• • Discuss laws, rules, rights, and responsibilities
  • Examine various areas of responsibility for students
  • Discuss new responsibilities in Middle School.
  • Review the consequences and effects of shoplifting, vandalism, littering

What is a STRANGER?

Someone you don’t know or someone you don’t know well

• A person whom you have never met before.
• A person who you may see often but you do not know anything about.

(For example, some neighbors or sales persons where you shop often.)

• Someone you have met on the internet but do not know in person.
• Strangers can be good or bad. Most strangers are good people, but you can’t tell!

Table talk: Parents you may want to ask your student:

•          Can you tell a good stranger from a bad one? (NO, that is why rules are important)
•          Which neighbors on your block are strangers and which are friends? Why?
•          Which neighbors could your child go to for help?

Who is NOT a STRANGER?

• Family that lives at your house.
• Relatives that you know, that don’t live with you.
• Who is not a stranger to you and why?

Strangers are EVERYWHERE. Your neighborhood, school, mall, restaurant
MOST STRANGERS ARE JUST NICE PEOPLE YOU HAVE NOT MET YET.
Remember, you are a stranger to other people who don’t know you yet.

Although most strangers are good, some strangers are dangerous.

Here are some safety rules to follow to help keep you safe…

How do you stay safe in a public place?

• Never talk with a stranger. Adults that don’t know you, should never ask a child for directions or help. They should ask another adult!
• Never take anything from a stranger. Even if it is candy, your favorite toy or offering to give you a puppy. Always ask your parents.
• Never go with a stranger. Even if they say, “Your Mom is hurt, come with me.” Your mom would send someone you know like a grandma, dad, sister etc.
• Never let anyone in your Safety Space. This space is an arm’s length between you and any object or person. Keep this distance away from a stranger. Never let a stranger to get close enough to touch you.
• If someone tries to put their hands on you, scream as loud as you can and run to your parent or guardian.
• Hold your personal possessions close to you.
• Decide with your parents about who is dropping off and who is picking up. Be clear.
• Never go to public places such as malls, movies, parks, pools etc. alone.
• If for some reason your ride does not show up, call someone you trust – your parent or a trusted adult friend. If that doesn’t work, you can call 9-1-1.
• Make sure your parents know who you are playing with online. Let them know if you feel uncomfortable.

QUICK REVIEW

• NEVER talk to strangers.
• NEVER take anything from a stranger.
• NEVER go with a stranger.
• IF someone puts their hands on you scream for your parent and run to safety.

This page is for parents and students to read through together.

What is bullying?

The definition of bullying is: words or actions that are repeated, to make another person feel bad…examples are: name calling, pushing, shoving, leaving someone out, and more…. What other forms of bulling can you think of?

So what do you do if you are getting picked on or you see someone else being picked on?

Self-respect starts with you. You have the right to protect your feelings, yourself and your property, in a safe way.

Here are some different actions to practice and try out if you feel you are being bullied.

• Be assertive and ask the bully to STOP. This means you should have your shoulders back, body calm and eyes looking directly at the other person.
• Ignore and walk away. You do not have to attend every argument you are invited to!
• Walk away and stay away- a bully can’t bother you if you’re not around.
• Have a friend walk with you. They can stand up for you.
• Confront, in a non-threatening way. Ask them why they are doing what they’re doing. Calmly but firmly tell them to stop.
• Tell them if they stop they can play with you.
• Tell an adult. Sometime this is necessary to get the other person to stop.

NOW PRACTICE these solutions, with someone or in front of a mirror. We all know that practice can make us better and more comfortable with our actions.

Why do Bullies bully?

There can be many reasons, here are a few:

• They feel bad about themselves and take it out on someone else.
• They don’t know how to be a good friend.
• They feel left out.

Be an UPSTANDER: This means to stand up for the person being bullied. The next time you see someone being bullied, stop and think, “What can you do to help this person?”

• First, do not put yourself in danger. You may need to get an adult to help.
• You could walk up next to the person being bullied and ask them to come with you.
• You could look the bully in the eyes and ask them to stop bulling your friend.
• What other ideas can you come up with?

You and your family can take preventative measures to keep yourselves, your property, and other people from becoming victims of crime. Talk to your child about how to keep their community and home a safe place to live. Here are some tips and guidelines to help:

Do you have a responsibility to protect yourself?

• YES! The police need your help in preventing crimes.
• You can help by being observant at your home and when in public.

Is it your fault if you are the victim of a crime?

NO! Crimes are committed by criminals, people who have had a desire to break the law and acted out that desire.

How can I be safe at my home and in my community?

• Keep your doors locked. Shut windows when away from home.
• Carry a house key with you; don’t hide one outside.
• Don’t leave valuable property in the yard or unlocked.
• When you’re home alone, do not tell anyone your parents aren’t home.
• Do not bring valuable things to school.
• Report suspicious activity to police or to a grownup.
• For emergencies call, 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, call (804)748-1251

How can I be safe online?

• You should always let your parents or trusted adults know when you are online.
• Remember to share your password with your parents only.
• Don’t give out any personal information – name, phone #, address, or gender.
• Always log off the computer once you finish using it.

How can I stay safe when walking?

• Plan a route in advance and discuss a route with your parents.
• Let someone know when you are leaving and when you are coming home.
• Travel with a buddy, always.
• Stay away from alleys, shrubbery, and dark doorways.
• Walk confidently with your arms free.

Talk with your child about the importance of always protecting themselves. Whether they are online, at home or walking, we want them to feel confident in their ability to keep themselves safe from crime.

Table Talk Questions:

• What can we do to protect ourselves? Our property?
• Do you know how to answer the phone or door when an adult is not home?
• Do you lock up all your belongings in a safe place?
• Do you always tell your parents where you are going and when you are returning home?

Do you know how to call for help in an emergency?

You can keep you and your child safe by reviewing how to call 911 when they need help from:

Review with your child that you can call 911 from ANY kind of phone:

*Be sure that your child knows how to use your cellular phone, phones belonging to other members of your family and any other phones in places you typically visit.

The Dispatchers at the 911 center cannot always tell the phone number and location from which you are calling depending on the type of phone being used.

Your child should be able to tell the dispatcher:

1. The phone number from which they are calling
2. Their location – where they are at that time:
   • Your home address
   • The library
   • A restaurant or store

IDEA: Play the, “Where am I?” game whenever you are at a store, the library, church, etc. to help your child be aware of their location. Names of stores and locations can ALWAYS help dispatchers more rapidly respond to emergencies.

Conflict Resolution

Being able to resolve conflict is a valuable life skill that will help children become more successful in their relationships at home, school and in the community. Talk to your child about these strategies on how to do this peacefully and appropriately.

What is conflict? It means to disagree or fight or some type of struggle.

With whom might we have conflict with?

• Friends – Which game to play?
• Siblings – Who gets the last piece of cake or who gets to choose what to watch?
• Parents – You really want to hang out with your friend, but your mom is making you clean your room.
• Teachers – The teacher caught you playing a game on your Chromebook when you were supposed to be completing an assignment.
• Yourself – When or if to do your homework or whether to be truthful.

Conflict is absolutely going to happen and being able to solve these problems appropriately will lead to the benefits of achieving goals and developing stronger relationships.

One emotion that can cause problems and lead to fights is anger. We all get angry. We don’t get in trouble simply for feeling angry. We get in trouble when we act in a way that is inappropriate in response to feeling angry. There are many things that make children angry: teasing, bullying or not getting their way. When this happens, your child may lose control, say or do things they don’t mean and regret or they might fight.

This can result in a wide range of consequences. Others may not want to be friends with your child, people can get hurt (emotionally and physically), kids and adults will no longer trust your child, or they could also get in trouble with parents, teachers, the principal or law enforcement.

So, what can we do?

1. Calm Down: Nothing can be resolved when you are feeling angry. Think of something that you can do to help you relax:
   • Walk away or Exercise (get that angry energy out).
   • Talk about it with someone else you trust.
   • Take deep breaths or Take a personal time out.
   • Think of something or someplace you enjoy.
   • Do something you enjoy play a game, read a book, or draw a picture.
2. Communicate: This should be done verbally and non-verbally. Watch your body language, relax your arms, watch your tone of voice, smile, watch your volume and make eye contact. You should avoid name calling, threatening, laughing, blaming, interrupting and insulting.
3. Compromise: 
   • Talk it out once everyone is calm.
   • Apologize- when there is an argument going on, both parties usually can find something to apologize for.
   • Think about what you are willing to give up. We can’t always have our way. Each side may need to give in on something. Be flexible.
   • This is not easy and takes practice. In the end, using these strategies will help your child gain independence and be more successful.