Highmark Healthy High 5 HALT!^® A Bullying Prevention Program

HALT! is managed by the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at Windber Research Institute. School districts participating in the HALT! program complete three years of program training, implementation and evaluation. During the first six months of that time, schools identify key personnel who are charged with leading program implementation, reviewing and adjusting school district policies and procedures, coordinating training of teachers and ancillary staff and educating parents on the topic of bullying and the HALT! program. After the program is implemented, HALT! trainers provide technical assistance, including materials and on-site support to schools on a weekly basis.

A second focus of HALT! offers quality assurance for schools implementing or interested in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP), providing support to increase readiness and minimize known fidelity risks.

In partnership with the Center for Safe Schools, a division of the Center for Schools and Communities, HALT! also provides feedback and support to trainers delivering the OPBB in Pennsylvania, as well as targeted information and referrals to students, parents and families who are experiencing bullying firsthand.

PA CARES (Creating an Atmosphere of Respect and Environment for Success)

Adopted by individual school buildings, PA CARES is a bullying prevention program conducted by the Center for Safe Schools. Schools participating in the PA CARES program complete one year of program training that includes technical assistance and program evaluation feedback. Schools receive a grant to purchase teacher guides, school-wide guides, committee notebooks and other resources to support program implementation of the OBPP.

The HALT! and PA CARES bullying prevention programs are funded exclusively through Highmark Healthy High 5.