BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 November 10, Sunday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
This is the text of an email the school system will send to Parents. We’ve been told this will either go out tonight (Sunday) or tomorrow morning.
Dear Blair Community Schools Families,
Your child’s safety drives every decision at all Blair schools. Today, we announce significant enhancements to our student safety programs, backed by strong data and powered by your partnership.
1. Bullying Prevention Parent Meeting Invitation
We invite you to attend our Bullying Prevention Parent Meeting on Tuesday, November 12, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. This session is designed to inform you about our enhanced procedures, listen to concerns, and work collaboratively toward removing bullying and harassment from our schools.
2. Upgraded Reporting System
We upgraded our current “Bullying and Harassment Reporting System”. We strongly encourage all students, parents, teachers, staff, community members, and administrators to use this system to report any incidents of bullying or harassment.
All reports of bullying and harassment will begin at the Central Office. Here’s how our centralized reporting process works:
- Lead Investigations with Assigned Teams: The Central Office will assign at least two trained administrators to investigate each report.
- Provide Resources and Procedures: Our team will supply each investigative team with a structured set of procedures and a standardized set of questions to ensure all parties—victim, accused, and any witnesses or bystanders—are fairly heard and their perspectives documented.
- Structured Support Plans: If bullying is confirmed, our first priority is to support the affected student. We will immediately connect them with counseling services, establish regular check-ins with trusted staff members, and create a personalized safety plan as needed. Our team will monitor their well-being, provide any needed academic support, and work closely and confidentially with their family to ensure they have resources for recovery and confidence-building. Simultaneously, we will implement a structured intervention plan for the student who bullied, with clear accountability measures, behavior modification guidance, and supervised interactions when necessary.
- Transparent Communication: Throughout the investigation process, the Central Office will use transparent communication with students, parents, teachers, and staff. This is to ensure all parties are informed and supported as needed.
3. Safe2HelpNE: Anonymous 24/7 Reporting System
For those who prefer a completely anonymous option, we offer a 24/7 reporting system, Safe2HelpNE, in collaboration with Boys Town. Reports can be made at any time via phone or online. This system provides:
- Around-the-Clock Reporting: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Direct Support from Crisis Counselors: Trained Boys Town counselors receive and address calls, and each report is immediately routed to the Central Office for follow-up.
- Immediate Investigation: Our Central Office initiates an investigation promptly upon receiving any reports from Safe2HelpNE.
Here is how students, parents, teachers, and staff can make a report.
- Visit the website at Safe2HelpNE.org
- Download the app on either an Android or Apple phone
- Call 833-980-SAFE (7233)
4. Preventive Strategies and Student Assemblies
To raise awareness and reinforce respectful behavior, we will hold student assemblies at both the middle and high schools:
- Blair High School 11th and 12th Grade Assembly: Auditorium, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m., November 12
- Blair High School 9th and 10th Grade Assembly: Auditorium, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., November 12
- Middle School Grade-Level Bullying Prevention Meetings: 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., November 13
(Note: Deerfield has already held its Bullying Prevention Assembly, and Arbor Park’s will be scheduled soon.)
These assemblies aim to educate students about kindness, empathy, and the importance of a safe, inclusive environment. During these sessions, students are informed about how to report bullying or harassment, including using the new electronic incident form or speaking directly with a teacher, parent, counselor, or principal.
5. Staff Training
On Tuesday, November 12, from 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., all certified, administrative, and classified staff will participate in a required Bullying Prevention Training in the high school auditorium. Our legal counsel and I will lead this session, which will cover:
- Identifying bullying and harassment and recognizing early warning signs.
- Implementing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
- Reviewing updated reporting procedures to ensure transparency and consistent action.
6. Administrative Training on Bullying Prevention
Our administrators will undergo specialized training to further enhance their skills in:
- Strengthening bullying prevention strategies.
- Improving investigative techniques.
- Enhancing communication practices with students, families, and the school community.
7. Data on Progress and Safety in Our Schools
Our Schools Show Strong Safety Record and Continuous Improvement
Our latest data demonstrates exceptional progress in creating a secure learning environment:
- Student Safety Ratings Soar: Over 96% of Blair High School seniors in both 2023 and 2024 report feeling safe at school
- Significant Drop in Behavior Issues: High school behavior referrals plunged 28% this year, part of a steady three-year improvement averaging 9.5% annually
- Minimal Incidents Across All Levels: Out of our entire student population, we recorded only 9 total confirmed bullying or harassment cases district-wide:
- 1 case at the high school
- 4 cases at the middle school
- 4 cases at the elementary level
Blair’s strong safety record motivates us to aim even higher. We actively respond to student concerns and maintain our commitment to 100% student safety and support.
8. Blair Community Schools Champions Student Safety Through:
- Direct Support: Our teachers, counselors, and administrators take immediate action on any bullying concerns. We train all staff in confidential, caring response protocols.
- 24/7 Protection: Safe2HelpNE gives students and parents a secure, anonymous reporting option. Our Central Office investigates each report promptly.
- Character Development: Our curriculum builds student strength through focused lessons on empathy, respect, and inclusivity.
- Expert Guidance: School counselors offer personalized support to build student confidence and resilience. Students can access help at any time.
- Data-Driven Excellence: Regular reviews of policies, trends, and student feedback drive continuous improvements to our safety measures.
Join us as we strengthen Blair Community Schools’ safe and inclusive environment. Your partnership helps every child thrive, feel valued, and reach their full potential.
Mark Your Calendar: Parent Meeting Tuesday, November 12 Share your ideas and learn about our next steps to enhance student safety.
Blair Community Schools is united against bullying. Your voice matters as we continue to build our community of respect.
