Central Cambria High School/Middle School Student Orientation and Educational Programming Title IX/Sex Discrimination/Harassment Central Cambria Middle School Sexual Harassment Program: On April 18, 2013 approximately 140 6th grade students participated in a sexual harassment presentation facilitated by Prevention Educator Ms. Samantha Eisenhuth from the Women s Help Center. Each class presentation consisted of approximately 20-25 students and included defining sexual harassment, learning what constitutes sexual harassment, the mechanism of power and control that drives the behavior, and support for reporting such occurrences. The message conveyed that sexual harassment is any unwanted physical or verbal advances that have sexual overtones. Examples of sexual harassment behaviors discussed included sexual jokes, touching in an inappropriate way, inappropriate gestures, and spreading rumors about another person s sexual behavior. The presentation emphasized that sexual harassment is not harmless teasing, flirting, or just a joke. Students engaged in classroom discussions, acquired valuable knowledge about recognizing sexual harassment, and procedures for reporting harassment concerns to school personnel and parents/guardians were reviewed. The program was coordinated and monitored by Guidance Counselor, Ms. Robin Ribarich. High School Student Orientation August 28 and 29, 2013 All high school students participated in a review and discussion of the District s Title IX notice and polices related to Non-Discrimination, Bullying Prevention, Unlawful Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Complaint Procedures. Information was presented during classroom presentations using information from the Student Handbook as the foundation for discussion. Each classroom presentation consisted of small groups of students ranging from 5 25 students per group. The following CCHS teachers conducted the classroom presentations: Mrs. Heather Niebauer Mrs. Sharon Hostetler Ms. Renee Shaffer Ms. Brittany Spayd Mrs. Jeaninne Nikolishen Mrs. Dana Schweitzer Mrs. Michelle Shirk Mrs. Darcy Rakar Ms. Jenna Springer Ms. Kimberly Kovach
New Student Orientation The Title IX Coordinator, Guidance Counselor, and student representatives from the CCSD Title IX Committee will conduct on-going presentations for new high school students who enroll throughout the year. The first training session for two new students who have registered since August 30 th was conducted on October 4, 2013. Five student representatives from the Title IX Committee assisted with the orientation session. Handbook policies were reviewed, and a general discussion on bullying/harassment prevention ensued. CC student representatives shared experiences and activities that help promote a positive school culture. New students were asked about their previous schools and bullying/harassment programs and policies. Neither student offered additional procedures or strategies that they felt were effective and should be investigated for implementation at CC. Both students reported a positive transition to CC. ARCC Kick-Off Stephen and Other Dummies Central Cambria High School launched the school year on a humorous, but serious note, as students energetically poured into the auditorium on September 30 th for a visit from the Stephen and Other Dummies Show. Mrs. McDermott took the stage reminding students and faculty alike, that the school-wide initiative, ARCC, (Atmosphere of Respect, Courtesy, and Courage) should shape, build, and maintain the tone for the upcoming school year. In a blending of pop culture puns, ventriloquism, and skits, the Stephen and Other Dummies Show used audience humor to broach more challenging discussions about bullying and standing up for what is fair and right. Hurt people; hurt people, explained Stephen as students laughter gave way to reflection. Students and faculty were reminded through the skits to think about the impact of smaller actions that go a long way in developing a positive school and classroom community. Middle School students also enjoyed a performance to begin the year with an ARCC/anti/bullying message. Sexual Harassment Presentations October 7, 8, and 9, 2013 Classroom presentations will be conducted by Ms. Carli Coy of Victim Services, Inc., for all students in grades 9 12 during their Phys Ed/Health class. CCSD teachers Mr. Robert Nikolishen and Mrs. Gretchen Getz will oversee the presentations, along with para-professionals Ms. Denise Carpinella and Mr. Robert Anderson. A student teacher, Ms. Emma Burkey, will also be present and assist with the presentation and follow-up discussions.
Victim Services Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation chartered in 1983 to provide quality comprehensive services for victims of sexual assault and violent crimes regardless of race, sex, age, mental or physical handicap, religion, ethnic background and sexual orientation, social and financial circumstances, who request our services by giving victims the freedom to make informed choices within a confidential, supportive, nonjudgmental environment by caring, sensitive staff and volunteers. It is our goal to help the client regain power and control over their lives. Our educational programs are presented in an informative manner and in professional atmosphere. The sessions will include information regarding the following presentation components, as well as the recently approved CCSD Grievance Procedures. Sexual Harassment A program designed to help students recognize and respond to sexual harassment. Students are given examples of sexual harassment behaviors and the consequences they may face if they do these things to others. Date Rape/Acquaintance Rape Explores definitions, statistics, common causes of date rape, warning signs, effects and how to protect yourself. Discussion includes how to report a sexual assault and how to help someone who has been through this devastating experience. Healthy Dating This program explores possessive relationships and harmful dating situations through presentations and videos. Issues to be covered include myths and stereotypes of relationships, emotional, physical, and sexual mistreatment, cycles of violence, and signs of possessive relationships. Email Confirmation: From: Kimberly McDermott <kmcdermott@cencam.org>; To: Carli Coy <ccoy113@yahoo.com>; Cc: Kimberly McDermott <kmcdermott@cencam.org>; Robert Nikolishen <rnikolishen@cencam.org>; Gretchen Getz <ggetz@cencam.org>; Subject: RE: Victim Services Education Programs Sent: Sat, Sep 7, 2013 3:20:41 PM Hello Carli,
The dates that we discussed earlier will work well here for your presentations! Please reserve October 8, 9, and 10 for Central Cambria High School. The presentation requested is Sexual Harassment/Healthy Dating and will be conducted through Phys Ed classes, grades 9-12. You will have eight 42-minute classes per day with 30-40 students per group. I have attached our bell schedule for your reference. Lunch period for these groups is 6th period. Your presentations will take place in a classroom (C103). Please let me know what AV needs you have and what arrangements you would like for your own lunch. Please contact me with any questions. I look forward to your visit to CCHS! Kim Kimberly A. McDermott High School Principal Secondary Curriculum Director Title IX Coordinator *(Moved to October 7 9 by request of presenter) Sexual Harassment Awareness Week October 14-18, 2013 Student Representatives from the CCSD Title IX Committee have also helped to develop a Sexual Harassment Awareness Week. Each morning on the live CCTV School News Broadcast, students will present facts and tips related to the prevalence, prevention, and reporting of sexual harassment/assault. Red Devil Duos This summer marked the start of a new program at CC. The new program is going to be called Red Devil Duos. This program will be a mentorship program that pairs student mentors with student mentees. The purpose of this program is to continue to build programming to develop and foster relationship. In addition, the vision would include students working together toward building tolerance and empowering each other to feel as if they have a sense of belonging. To date, we 26 mentors who are participating in this program and 20 were able to attend a kick off meeting on August 1st. They will be required to participate in a training session coordinated by our Middle School Guidance counselor, Ms. Robin Ribarich, that will outline further their responsibilities as mentors. The mentees will be identified through a referral form that will be
available to staff members. Parents/guardians of mentors and mentees will need to agree to have their child participate in this program. Michael Dorn - Safe Haven International Working in collaboration with Cambria County Emergency Services, Mrs. McDermott has secured grant funding to host a Safe Schools presentation at CCHS on October 14. The guest speaker, Mr. Michael Dorn, will present a workshop entitled School Safety: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow for all CCHS staff, representatives from other Cambria County and Blair County School Districts, along with representatives from area EMS personnel. Mr. Michael Dorne serves as the Executive Director of Safe Havens International, a global non-profit school safety center whose analysts have worked in more than two dozen countries. Michael is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and shares his experiences from over twenty-five years in public safety. Following the presentation for adults, Mr. Dorn will remain at CCHS for a high school and middle school student presentation on Tuesday, October 15 entitled Weakfish Bullying through the Eyes of a Child. This collaborative effort is another example of the outstanding working relationship between Central Cambria School District and Cambria County Emergency Services.