Learn About TCSS Programs & Activities that Support Bullying Prevention

October is Bullying Prevention Month, a time to celebrate the importance of kindness and respect, and take a stand against hostility and intimidation. In the Tuscaloosa County School System, we are BRAVE. This stands for “Building Respect and Valuing Everyone,” and it is the theme of our district-wide bullying prevention efforts. However, bullying prevention is not just one single activity, promoted during just one month. TCSS has a variety of programs and activities in place to help students feel safe, promote their emotional well-being, and prevent bullying. Some of these programs are outlined below.  

Speak Up for Safety

If students have a concern about student or school safety, they can contact the SpeakUp tip line through email, phone call, or text message. SpeakUp for Safety integrates directly with Office 365, to which TCSS students already have access. Students will see the SpeakUp for Safety address whenever they start to compose an email. SpeakUp for Safety’s instant email replies include a phone number that students can use for text messages or phone calls. 

Trained safety representatives evaluate information that comes into the tip line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Safety representatives distribute it to the appropriate school staff members, or local law enforcement, in the most imminent cases. 

By Call or Text: (659) 734-2808

By email: speakup@tcss.net

Visit this page to learn more.

Neptune Navigate for Schools

Neptune Navigate for Schools is a Digital Citizenship curriculum, utilized in our schools. Neptune Navigate provides lessons customized for students and staff, teaching students how to be smart and stay safe online. This includes education about the prevention of cyberbullying.

The Jamari Terrell Williams Student Bullying Prevention Policy

It is the policy of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education that no student shall engage in or be subjected to bullying, violence, threats of violence, or intimidation by any other student, that is based on any of the specific characteristics identified by the Board in this policy. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. Visit this page to learn more about The Jamari Terrell Williams Student Bullying Prevention Policy. 

TCSS Whole Child Framework

While our Whole Child Framework is not specifically an anti-bullying program, the mission of Whole Child aligns closely with our anti-bullying efforts. The mission of Whole Child is sustainable change in schools and communities so every child is whole—healthy, safe, challenged, supported, and engaged. A “Whole Child” is one who is academically successful, with positive mental and social health. These students achieve higher graduation rates, contribute to the community, and lead productive lives.

Our Whole Child Framework is in place at all of our TCSS schools. Whole Child provides a framework for the many activities our schools are already doing, which support the academic success and social, emotional, and mental health of our students. A school environment with these priorities is one that discourages bullying and encourages students to stand up against bullying. 

Our Whole Child Framework is a partnership with The University of Alabama. Learn more at the Whole Child website.

School Counselors and School Social Workers

These professionals in our schools help support a safe environment for students and the mental and emotional well-being of students.

The school counseling program is an integral part of the total educational process and is accessible to all students. The school counseling program consists of activities that address and meet students’ various educational and developmental needs. The school counseling program is developed as a result of thorough analysis of student needs, desired achievement goals, and related data.

School Social Workers provide a focused reach to support all students, specifically in areas of social, mental, and emotional health and wellness. School social workers are uniquely trained to integrate the school, community, and family context into interventions and resource referrals. School social work interventions reduce barriers to learning by enabling students to be physically, mentally, and emotionally present and ready to learn in their classrooms.