District opens hotline for students in response to bullying concerns

The Mars Area School District has announced a multistep program to improve the school climate and combat bullying.

Residents and students have crowded the past two school board meetings to complain about bullying. The issue reached a boiling point when an African-American student was disciplined for punching a white student who had been bullying him.

A confidential safety hotline began operation Tuesday. Students can call 724-6252720 to report any concerns regarding school safety, bullying or any other issue that they wish to bring to the attention of the administration.

Officials promise that any concerns will be reviewed and addressed immediately.

Superintendent Wesley Shipley will be holding roundtable lunch discussions with students to hear their input on diversity and bullying.

Also, the district has contracted with two outside experts to advise officials on the issues.

Ashley Lowell, vice president of corporate compliance for Passavant Memorial Homes, will advise the administration, while Christine Herring of Herring Seminars & Consultants will present an “Engaging in Uncomfortable Conversations About Race & Ethnicity” workshop for student leaders at Mars Area High School on May 24.

The district will introduce the Rachel’s Challenge positive school culture/anti-bullying program at the start of the 2018-19 school year for all grades.

Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the Columbine school shooting in April 1999. The program works to inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying and negativity with acts of respect, kindness and compassion.

“The district is hopeful that all of these steps will help to improve our school climate and to lead our students, our staff, and the whole of the school community in a positive direction moving forward,” Mr. Shipley said.