This is the second of two chapters in the DCSD Notebook regarding bullying prevention. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and this Parent University episode, hosted by Community Relations Coordinator Amy Pfister, features three members of the DCSD Health, Wellness and Prevention team. They discuss ways they, as professionals as well as mothers, deal with the challenges presented by bullying.

Guests:

• Dr. Kelli Smith, director of Health, Wellness and Prevention
• Trena Hand, Health, Wellness and Prevention lead
• Hope Ebel, Health, Wellness and Prevention lead

Resources Mentioned:

• “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt
• DCSD Bullying Prevention webpage
• Parent University anti-bullying presentation from 2024

Next Month:

Our November Parent University podcast, "Community Matters" will explore the power of community and how parents can build stronger connections with one another. Joining us will be a representative from the local nonprofit, YANA. We invite you to submit your questions about fostering community and collaboration here as your voice helps shape the conversation!

About Parent University

Parent University is a special edition of DCSD Notebook and will appear in this feed monthly. For several years, Parent University has provided training, information, and resources for parents and caregivers. By partnering with community organizations and other agencies to equip families with additional knowledge, skills and resources, Parent University supports and empowers parents and caregivers to become leaders and advocates for their children's learning. This year, Parent University has transitioned from a live Zoom meeting to a podcast format to allow parents to listen to the conversations at their convenience; provide time and accessibility for guests to delve deeper into conversation; and save staff time with streamlined production.

Thank you to our Parent University podcast sponsor, HCA HealthONE Skyridge for their continued support and partnership.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and the DCSD Notebook will have two chapters. This week's chapter features a panel of district and school leaders discussing what bullying is and what it isn’t; how schools work with families to investigate and address issues of bullying; resources available to parents; and the legal requirements that all schools face when dealing with these complex issues.

Next week’s chapter will be Part 2 of our bullying coverage. It will be a Parent University episode with host Amy Pfister interviewing a panel of DCSD leaders who also happen to be mothers of students who span the age range from elementary to high school. They will do an even deeper dive into the resources and efforts the district uses every day to make schools as safe and welcoming as possible.

Guests this week:

• Erin Kruse, executive director of schools for DCSD’s Castle Rock region
• Jarod Nicholson, principal of Mesa Middle School
• Trena Hand, the district’s health, wellness and prevention lead

Links and resources:

DCSD Bullying Prevention webpage

DCSD Bullying Reporting form

Safe2Tell – Report anonymously. Any time. Any day. Visit the website or call: 877-542-7233

FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, mentioned in the episode, provides certain rights for parents regarding their children’s education records.

In this month’s edition of Parent University, we’re talking about one of the best community spots around — the public library! If you think the library is only about checking out books, you’re missing A LOT. The library is full of fun programs, cool resources, and opportunities that can support children’s learning and give families new ways to connect.

Our guest is Jaime Gotlieb, community services and partnerships manager from Douglas County Libraries, talking about the many amazing programs, resources and events at the library and how Douglas County families can get involved.