School may have ended for Becker Public Schools yesterday, but that does not mean that the district’s bus and van drivers took the day off today.  Twenty-three members of the transportation department participated in a two-hour bullying prevention training led by PeaceMaker Minnesota, a nonprofit organization based in Roseville.

 

“It is good to be pro-active in ensuring student safety,” said Larry Anderson, a bus driver and participant in the training.   

 

The training took place at the High School covered the definition of bullying, what it looks like, how to prevent it, how to address it and how to report it.  The post-workshop evaluations shows that the training met its objectives and all 17 respondents recommended the training to other school districts.

 

“Everyone needs to be aware of bullying,” read one evaluation comment.  “Anything we can do to help students through this struggle,” stated another.  “It’s worth it.”  

 

Tom Risley, transportation director, initiated the training based on a suggestion by one of the drivers. “It says a lot about the employees that they wanted the training,” said Dan McNeil, Executive Director, PeaceMaker Minnesota.  “I was amazed by how many people arrived early and there was great participation.  You could tell that they were interested and truly cared.” 

 

PeaceMaker Minnesota was founded in 1998 and helps schools throughout the state with training, evaluation, planning and funding services to help schools reduce bullying and to teach kids positive relational skills.