Schools

Highmark Foundation Recognizes Riverview Junior/Senior High School for Bullying Prevention Success

RHS is one of three schools recognized by Highmark.

has been recognized by Highmark Foundation for its efforts to eliminate bullying at the school.

Riverview Junior/Senior High School was one of three schools that received a $2,500 award earlier this year for demonstrating that the improved school climate and ability to address bullying at school is a result of its commitment to the program.

Riverview implemented the PA CARES (Creating an Atmosphere of Respect and Environment for Success) program, also through Highmark Foundation. The program utilizes the best practices of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, a nationally recognized program designed to reduce and prevent bullying and improve school climate.

Tara Jo Pomatto, Riverview guidance counselor and building coordinator for the Olweus Bullying Prevention program, said students have really responded well to the program. She said students always are looking out for each other and reporting cases of possible bullying as soon as possible.

“The model is district-wide and is an exemplary model for everyone," she said. "Initially there was a higher incidence of reports for bullying behaviors before the program was implemented, but now we can report a decrease and everyone from our school staff to parents and members of the community are involved.”

In the past five years, the Highmark Foundation, through Highmark Healthy High 5, provided more than 260 Pennsylvania elementary, middle and high schools with the tools and resources needed to implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.

“We wanted to reward schools that accepted the challenge to engage in a quality assurance process and were willing to go above and beyond to assure successful outcomes in combating bullying,” said Highmark Foundation President Yvonne Cook. “Riverview Junior/Senior High School provided commendable examination and documentation of its progress to prevent and reduce bullying. The school has helped create a road map for others to follow.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here