Programs targeting harassment and bullying and empowering students to not become victims are efforts that begin in Hopewell Valley in kindergarten and are constant through 12th grade, principals told the Board of Education last night.

They vary widely, in age-appropriate ways, from youngsters learning conflict resolution on a playground “Peace Path” to high school workshops on cyberbullying and date rape.

In a presentation detailing the district’s extensive array of character education initiatives, the principals explained the layered and complementary nature of their programs.

Mike Daher, principal of Central High School, noted how many programs begun at the middle school carry into the high school, such as peer leaders, who share day-to-day survival skills with 8th graders making the transition to the upper school. Wellness classes, required of every student, carry whole units on bullying issues, including cyberbullying. The respected Hi-TOPS organization has led workshops on homophobia, and athletic director Kiki Enderle reminds teams every season about the district prohibition on hazing, which every student athlete must sign a pledge not to participate in.

What’s more, the high school’s code of conduct is aligned with the one used at Timberlane so expectations are clear, Daher noted.

Tony Suozzo, principal of Timberlane Middle School, is a big believer in the notion that cultivating a positive, peaceful environment in a school community is the most effective means of reducing bullying and harassment.

Several years ago, as a vice principal, he introduced the Six Pillars of Character theme to the school. Banners and posters hang throughout the school, extolling the virtues of Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

Students demonstrating these values may be recognized through three separate programs, all designed to encourage positive behavior, and teachers in disciplines ranging from language arts to social studies often thread the 6 Pillars theme through class assignments.

Healthy peer relationships between Timberlane and high school students are also fostered through a peer mentoring program. Next year, Suozzo is hoping to introduce “Challenge Day,” a program designed to foster empathy among students.

The school’s close relationship with an active PTO has helped bring high-profile authorities, most notably best-selling author Rachel Simmons, on the topic of recognizing bullying and empowering students with the skills to resist harassment. Simmons’ appearance was extended to include presentations to faculty, parents and members of the general public, generating a community discussion. Tomorrow, the PTO hosts psychologist and author Michael Osit whose latest book, “Generation Text” explores the many complex issues surrounding instant communication technologies and teenagers. The school has also encouraged and supported other socially constructive PTO programs such as its annual and popular Dare to Dine initiative, which brings families together to discuss timely topics including cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is also addressed through the district’s technology curriculum. Teachers review the definition and the district’s no tolerance policy while students are required to pledge annually not to engage in online bullying.

At the elementary level, a myriad of programs exist to promote healthy and positive behavior, Chris Laquidara, principal of Hopewell Elementary, told the Board.

For years, the district’s youngest students have benefited from such well-established self-esteem and tolerance programs as Operation Respect’s “Don’t Laugh at Me,” and the Camp Fire USA’s “Count on Me” and I’m Safe and Sure” programs. The Child Assault Prevention program of PEI Kids teaches students in grades 2 -4 to recognize dangerous situations, including bullying, and equips them with the skills to escape them. Dealing with the peer pressure of substance abuse is handled by the anti-drug DARE program, delivered to the district’s 5th graders. Buddy classes, which pair classes of older students with younger ones, is a long tradition in the elementary schools, a concept not far removed from the peer mentoring and peer leader programs of the secondary schools.

Peer mediation is also found K-12. It is manifested most colorfully at Hopewell Elementary where the playground’s brightly painted, caterpillar-like Peace Path offers advice to bring about healthy resolution of normal childhood conflicts.

Similarly, at Timberlane and Central High School students trained in mediation techniques resolve peer issues without adult intervention.

Classes focusing on social skills are now offered at the elementary as well as secondary level, helping to empower students to deal with difficult situations before they degenerate into unhealthy ones.

All principals noted that discipline follows board-approved policy, and, in extreme cases, local police are notified. Suozzo and Daher singled out local police detective Michael Simonelli, who is assigned to the secondary schools on a part-time basis, as a valuable ally for dealing with situations that warrant police attention.

Noting the depth and breadth of the district’s character education programming, Board member Judy Lindenberger complimented the principals for their work.