Cumberland County school district seeks to confront bullying

• Rachel McDevitt/StateImpact Pennsylvania
  BioRecent Stories

  

  I report on energy and the environment for StateImpact Pennsylvania at WITF.
  
  My work focuses on responses and solutions to climate change in the state legislature and communities around the state. I trace my interest in these issues back to my time as a Girl Scout and this episode of Rocko’s Modern Life.
  
  I look forward to winter just for the chance to ski a few times each season. I try to keep myself from doom-scrolling on my phone by keeping my hands busy knitting and learning to play the piano.
  
  I grew up in Cambria County, Pa. and graduated from Temple University. I started at WITF just after Christmas in 2014.

 Rachel McDevitt / WITF

The Cumberland Valley High School is seen on Friday, October 18th, 2019.

(Silver Spring Township) — A Cumberland County school district is grappling with how to address incidents of racist bullying.

Parents recently complained to the Cumberland Valley school board that their children have been the targets of bullying and slurs.

The district is a fast-growing one and is seeing increased diversity.

Superintendent David Christopher said it’s facing similar challenges to other districts across the country, including North Allegheny School District near Pittsburgh, where Christopher served as deputy superintendent before taking the job at Cumberland Valley.

He said a racial slur is grounds for immediate suspension for high school students, plus a reflection activity.

Rachel McDevitt / WITF

Superintendent David Christopher poses for a portrait at Cumberland Valley’s district office in Silver Spring Township on Friday, October 18th, 2019.

“Even in the high school, these are children, they’re kids, and we have to figure out how we train them to be the kids we want them to be, the adults that we expect them to be,” Christopher said.

He added a committee made up of staff and community members is looking at the best ways to change bullying behavior.

“If someone does something, what should we ask that student to do to reflect? Because, really, the goal of discipline–the goal of effective discipline–is to change behavior,” he said.

A school climate survey will go out to students, faculty, and parents at the end of this month.

Christopher said that should give the administration a better idea of the scope of the problem, so they don’t have to rely on anecdotal evidence.

The district aims to train every teacher in bullying awareness and prevention by November.

Anti-bully lessons are also being taught in all grade levels.

Sometimes, your mornings are just too busy to catch the news beyond a headline or two. Don’t worry. The Morning Agenda has got your back. Each weekday morning, The Morning Agenda will keep you informed, amused, enlightened and up-to-date on what’s happening in central Pennsylvania and the rest of this great commonwealth.

Learn More