— Will be among 13 classes across School Division in project —
OSOYOOS TIMES (June 28, 2006)
By Lawrence McMahenrnOsoyoos Times
The two kindergarten classes at Osoyoos Elementary School will take part in a new anti-bullying program being started across the Okanagan-Similkameen School District No. 53.
Local Parent Advisory Council chair Brenda Dorosz, of Osoyoos, says she's thrilled that the elementary classes here will be two of the total of 13 classes district-wide in the novel programrnThe Toronto-based program pairs each class with a local baby and parent, and the curriculum teaches students about their own feelings and the feelings of others. The baby and parent visit class monthly from October to June, and the students learn about crying, sleep and safety. Creators of the program, called 'Roost of Empathy', say they baby is the teacher during the classroom interactions, and it changes how students think about others.
Dorosz says the B.C. Ministry of Children and Families contributed $20,000 for the program, paying for 10 classes, and School District 53 is funding another three classes.
Across the school district, there are also some Grades 1 and 2 classes involved.
This has the potential to change many lives, Dorosz says.
Program literature says research shows 'Roots of Empathy' helps young people become kinder to their friends and less aggressive and bullying to other children.
Dorosz says she and local program contact Lisa McCall hope to obtain funding to continue the program throughout the distric next year, too. Hundreds of B.C. schools also subscribe to it.
For information call Dorosz at 495-5234 or McCall at 250-809-0041.
