Safety at Abernethy

The safety of our students is of the utmost importance at Abernethy. To achieve our goal of having a safe and secure environment, Abernethy has implemented several safety procedures.

PHYSICAL SAFETY

Visitor Badges
All adult visitors to the school are required to check in at the school office and pick up a Visitor identification badge.

The Blue Line
The playground is encircled with a thick blue line. Students are taught that they are not permitted to cross that line when playing outside during recess time. By keeping the children within the limits of the blue line, teachers who are on duty are able to see all the students they are supervising. Also, the blue line creates a clear physical demarcation that helps remind even our smallest children what area is considered "out of bounds". Since the blue line was painted, it has been much easier to supervise students at play and keep the entire student body in the right place at the right time.

Teaching "neighborhood" safety in the classroom.
Teachers and administrators strive to impress upon students the need for careful and alert conduct while in the community. This instruction includes information about not talking to or accepting rides from strangers and encouraging students to use a "buddy" system when going to the store, playing in the neighborhood or participating in other activities.

Safety Patrol
The Portland Public School's Police Department, in cooperation with Abernethy school, organizes a volunteer Junior Safety Patrol program. The Patrol's responsibility is to ensure safe passage for students going to and from school. With the exception of early dismissal days, the Patrol attends safety lanes from 8:30 - 8:45 AM and 3:00 - 3:15 PM.

EMOTIONAL SAFETY

The "No Bullying" program
The No Bullying program at Abernethy school follows a specific anti-bullying plan by training students about bullies. Staff teaches students when and how to report bullying. Students learn to determine the differences between tattling and telling. Tattling gets someone into trouble; telling gets someone out of trouble. Clear consequences are enforced for reported bullying indicents. Students also gain intervention strategies for dealing with bullying behaviors.

Conflict Management
Conflict or disagreement is normal and often happens when children get together. However, hurtful words, gestures, or using one's muscles are not acceptable ways to deal with conflict and disagreement at school. Our goal at Abernethy school is to empower students with the ability to determine their own behavior, encourage internal control, and take ownership of their problems. As students become accountable for their own choices, statements such as, "He made me do it!" and "She did it first!" begin to decrease. Students will gain responsibility for the following expectations:

Be Safe
Be Fair
Be Kind

The Conflict Management Wheel:
The conflict wheel provides nine options for students to choose from when a problem arises. This process can take place before or after asking for adult help. When a request for adult help is made, it will include the ideas already tried by the students. In ase of bullying, inappropriate language, or fighting, students are to tell an adult immediately. Poster sized charts of the wheel are placed in all classrooms so that all students know what their choices are. The wheel is also now painted on teh playground to better assist students in solving peer conflicts.

If you have any questions or concerns about safety procedures at Abernethy, please contact the office at 503-916-6190.

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