Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Legislature didn't act, so school districts are left to deal with bullying problem

Legislature didn’t act, so school districts are left to deal with bullying problem

By Katherine Lewis contact

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Cheyenne Scheller has a bright smile and hair that most storybook princesses would envy. She talks with great animation about her mom, her favorite “Saved by the Bell” episode and her cats. Read more >>>

 

Monday, May 21, 2007

Keeping Students Safe - Comments Sought

Keeping Students Safe - Comments Sought: In an April 20 radio address President Bush called on the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Justice to lead a national dialogue with educators, mental health experts and various state and local officials on steps the federal government can take to help keep students safe and prevent future tragedies. In an effort to expand the discussion, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings is seeking public comment online. Specifically, she has three questions: In what ways can technology help to communicate with students and school professionals -- before, during, and after a crisis situation? How can the many institutions involved in protecting students -- schools, colleges, law enforcement agencies, the medical and mental health community, and others -- share critical information in a way that protects individuals' privacy but does not sacrifice public safety? What are the most effective programs and best practices for preventing school violence and managing crises at U.S. schools and college campuses? Your comments on these items will assist the secretary in developing recommendations to be incorporated into the president's report.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Florida - Cybercrimes Against Children Act

Florida Cybercrimes Against Children Act Passes State Legislature

Apr 20, 2007 http://www.govtech.net/gt_images/redbox.gifNews Report

Story Art

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum praised both the State House and Senate for passing the CyberCrimes Against Children Act of 2007 (SB 1004), a measure that toughens penalties for those who use the Internet to sexually prey on children.

http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php?id=105099&utm_source=georgia&utm_medium=enews&utm_content=story

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Proclamation for Children's Mental Health

See the Governor's Proclamation for Children's Mental Health
Awareness Day today, May 8.  Thanks to all who made this possible.  mimi


http://cpeip.fsu.edu/resourceFiles/Proclamation.htm

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act

Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act

HB #575 passed the Florida House of Representatives on April 24, 2007 on a unanimous vote. Unfortunately, the companion bill in the Senate (SB #114) was not afforded a fair hearing in its last committee of reference. Representatives Aubuchon and Thompson are working in concert with House leaders to push the bill through the Senate. You can help!

Write Governor Crist and your Senators and let them know that you are in favor of SB 114 because this law will "beef up" the way that schools can deal with the problem of cyberbullying. The law will:

  • allow school officials to take into consideration acts of cyberbullying, whether it originated from within school or not, when disciplining students;
  • require school officials to develop a procedure for providing instruction to students, teachers, school administrators, counseling staff, and school volunteers on identifying, preventing, and responding to bullying or harassment.
  • requiring each school district to adopt a policy prohibiting such bullying and harassment

Time is running out ... the full text of SB 114 and contact information you need can be accessed by visiting:

http://www.jeffreyjohnston.org/jeffslaw.htm

SENATE SUMMARY

Prohibits bullying and harassment during education programs and activities, on school buses, or through use of data or computer software accessed through computer systems of certain educational institutions. Provides definitions. Requires each school district to adopt a policy prohibiting such bullying and harassment. Provides minimum requirements for the contents of the policy. Requires the Department of Education to develop model policies. Provides immunity. Provides restrictions with respect to defense of an action and application of the section. Requires department approval of a school district's policy and school district compliance with reporting procedures as prerequisites to receipt of safe school funds. Requires a report on implementation. Provides for construction of the act.