Bayfield Taking Part In Safe School Program

Bayfield High School is one of 56 high schools throughout the state that have pledged to keep students engaged in education through a safe and supportive school environment.

The Bayfield school received $45,000 in support of the effort through a federal program.  Other area schools involved include Hayward High School, which received $60,000; Superior High School, which received $75,000; and Northwestern High School, which received $60,000.

Altogether, participating schools across the state are sharing $3.8 million in federal "Safe and Supportive Schools" grant funding this year.

The federal funding is intended to help schools increase the use of alternatives to disciplinary actions like out-of-school suspensions and expulsions, encourage policies that address bullying and harassment, and promote drug- and violence-free campuses.

“Creating a school environment that supports positive behavior is an important part of this grant program,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “A solid foundation of safety and respect will help more students engage in their education so they graduate ready for the workforce or further education.”

Some activities planned by participating schools will help students successfully transition from middle school to high school. Others will address bullying; underage drinking and illegal drug use; and improving family, community, and school connections. Schools collect data annually to support evaluation of the grant program.

Evers noted that students who do not feel safe and those who become disengaged from the learning process often fail to learn, become disruptive to other students, or drop out.

“We simply must do a better job of providing supports for the significant numbers of students who fall through the cracks and fail to graduate. We must help all students find a path to school success,” he said. “This funding comes at an important time. Federal and state budget cuts resulted in the loss of more than 80 percent of the funds schools previously received through the DPI for drug and violence prevention programs.”

Participating schools and districts were chosen for the grant program based on high needs, such as large numbers or high rates of students being suspended or expelled for drug- or weapon-related incidents. Federal guidelines require that grant activities focus on high schools.

Funding for the grant comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. The Safe and Supportive Schools funds were awarded as a national discretionary grant.