NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS NEWS
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS NEWS
DARE Graduation
Earlier this year , fourth-grade students at Stewartsville and Sunset Valley celebrated their graduation from the DARE Program .
Stewartsville and Sunset Valley Elementary Schools proudly hosted graduation ceremonies for 4th-grade students who completed the Drug Abuse Resistance Education ( DARE ) program . The event saw the presence of parents , families , teachers , administrators , police officers , Police Chief Rizzo , and North Huntingdon Township Manager Harry Faulk .
The Norwin School District implemented the updated D . A . R . E . program for the 2023-2024 school year in collaboration with the North Huntingdon Township Police Department . Officer Anna Jandric , who joined the district for this purpose , led the initiative with a mission to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary for making positive life choices .
Officer Jandric expressed her dedication to community engagement , stating , “ Throughout my career , I have worked to forge strong bonds with community members , attending neighborhood meetings , organizing events , and actively seeking opportunities to connect with residents on a personal level . I understand the importance of trust between law enforcement and the community and strive to break down barriers , dispel negative stereotypes , and create an environment of collaboration and understanding .”
The recently updated D . A . R . E . program , made available to the district at no cost through secured grant funding , features a K-12 curriculum with specific lessons tailored to each grade level . This research-based and evidence-based curriculum addresses the “ Theory of Prevention ” underlying the content , offering a comprehensive approach to drug abuse resistance .
The new program is designed to engage students through a dynamic and interactive curriculum specifically crafted for their age group . Sessions cover a variety of topics , including
drug awareness , peer pressure resistance , conflict resolution , and effective communication skills . Various teaching methods , such as role-playing exercises , group discussions , and real-life scenarios , encourage critical thinking and problem-solving .
Highlighting the importance of positive relationships between law enforcement officers and students , the program , in partnership with the North Huntingdon Township Police Department , aims to break down stereotypes and foster trust and open communication . Students gain a deeper understanding of their role in maintaining a safe community and the significance of being responsible citizens .
During the graduation ceremony , two essay winners from each class had the opportunity to read their essays , adding a personal touch to the event . The DARE program stands as a testament to the commitment of the Norwin School District and the North Huntingdon Township Police Department to the well-being and positive development of their students .
Norwin Launches Olweus Bullying Prevention Program orwin
NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Since the start of the academic year , the Norwin School District has been diligently implementing the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program . Following thorough professional development sessions for staff and teachers , each school building launched their respective programs this past January .
Each building employed its own creative approach to introduce bullying prevention strategies and information to students , aiming to foster a positive school environment . These kick-off events served as engaging platforms to instill in students the importance of preventing bullying and nurturing a supportive school community .
Various activities were organized , such as friendship bracelet exchanges , Norwin Knight mascot videos , short dramatic performances , guest speaker presentations , and door decorating contests . The primary objective of these kick-offs was to initiate effective communication channels among students and staff . Moving forward , class meetings will continue throughout the year , providing students with opportunities to delve into the concept of bullying and learn practical strategies to address such incidents . The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program stands as a comprehensive , school-based initiative designed to combat bullying across all grade levels , fostering safer and more inclusive school environments .
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