On Friday, November 7th, United Way of Susquehanna County (UWSC) sponsored a bully prevention training program with Blue Ridge High School hosting the event. The training was geared towards local Susquehanna County educators. Representatives from schools throughout Susquehanna County including guidance counselors, teachers, administrators and coaches were in attendance.
The foundation for the training was based on the book, Bully Nation, written by Susan Eva Porter, Ph.D. “She offers a new approach to help kids develop the coping skills and resilience they need by dropping the labels, and using intervention, teaching, and discipline to help children change behaviors and develop coping skills.” Each person in attendance received a copy of the book and each district received a tool kit and DVD providing useful ideas and suggestions on ways to address the issue.
Mr. Joseph DeLuca, Jr. was the trainer and moderator for this training program. DeLucca currently serves as the Director of Federal, State & Nonpublic Programs at the LIU 18 in Kingston, PA. Joe is also the President of the Luzerne County Safe Schools Committee. His past experience includes teaching, counseling and coaching several sports. He is a past member of the state PASAP board. In addition, he holds several certifications in Crisis Prevention and School Safety.
Joe is an adjunct professor at Kings College and Marywood University where he teaches courses on Crisis Response/Intervention, Counseling and School Safety.
He has created and presented: “Music with a Message: A Suicide Education and Prevention Program for Teens”.
If you would like to read the book, Bully Nation, United Way of Susquehanna County has donated several copies to the Susquehanna County Free Library Association.