Barney Ford Elementary School received a $2,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente’s Project Pave. This award honors schools that are working to create a safe and civil learning environment that promotes student safety, mutual respect, and academic achievement.

Barney Ford Elementary School has taken several steps to combat violence this year. For example, 100% of all teaching staff has been trained in the Second Step violence prevention program. Lessons are taught weekly and reinforced daily. Also, a number of the fifth-graders are trained peer mediators. They offer help in conflict resolution during lunch recess and inside the building.

Another example of an anti-violence strategy is the creation of the Teacher/Student mentoring program. Several teachers meet with high-risk students once a week to chat and build relationships. Students have responded favorably to the extra encouragement this arrangement provides. As a result of these implementations, teachers have reported fewer incidents of aggressive behavior among the student body.

Barney Ford plans to use the $2,000 award to continue these programs, provide staff training in Bully Proofing, and purchase character education materials for staff and students.