# data[].attributes.body
School climate refers to the quality and character of school life. School climate is based on patterns of students’, parents’ and school personnel’s experience of school life and reflects norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, teaching and learning practices, and organizational structures.

A sustainable, positive school climate fosters youth development and learning necessary for a productive, contributing and satisfying life.

# data[].attributes.body
This video gives a brief overview explaining what School Climate and Culture is.

# data[].attributes.body
Great PDF with a lot of information about making sure your school has a positive school climate for everyone.

# data[].attributes.headline
Anti-Bullying Programs to try in schools

# data[].attributes.subject
Anti-Bullying Programs to try in schools

# data[].attributes.body
Some anti-bullying programs for teachers and administrators to try using in their schools. Keeping bullying to an absolute minimum is a great way to ensure that your school has a good climate.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We recently asked our community to share ideas for anti-bullying programs and we were blown away by the response. One thing is for sure: Stomping out bullying is clearly a priority for parent groups. As a thanks for all the great ideas, we're giving away 10 copies of the new anti-bullying book from Random House, Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean, by actress Jane Lynch. It wasn't easy to select just 10 favorites-there were so many wonderful ideas! But here is our list, and if you'd like to see dozens more ideas, check out the antibullying thread on our Facebook page. Thanks again to everyone who contributed!

Playground peacemakers: Ask older students at your elementary school to casually patrol the playground while younger students are at recess. Encourage them to reach out to students who may be playing alone or to let teachers know about a student who seems to be struggling. With guidance, older students can help younger students resolve simple disputes. -Christina Gaudenzi Cistaro

Tree notes: If your school has a large tree near its entrance, adorn it with anti-bullying messages. If the notes are abundant, it will become a conversation piece and keep students talking about anti-bullying. -Yaritza A. Cortes

Superheroes: Use a theme for an anti-bullying program. For example, the Pillager PTO ran a campaign called Superhero: Stop Bullying that included a poster and essay contest. Each participant received a button with the Superhero: Stop Bullying slogan. Essays and posters were displayed at school to promote awareness and photos of prizewinning entries were published in the local newspaper. -Misty Cremers

Build strength and confidence: Create a program focused on fitness and athletics, two areas where kids are often bullied. A fun-in-fitness program can bring together kids who are bullied to work with students who can mentor. Together, the kids work on basic skills and teamwork. Not only does it send a message about healthy habits, but it can also boost confidence and self-worth. -Jennifer Russo Crawford

Message in a locker: Work with middle school students to write positive and inspirational notes to classmates. Students then slip notes into lockers without being seen. Classmates later find a surprise note that boosts their spirits. It's the act of writing the note as much as receiving one that improves students' attitude toward others. -Jenny Jaydena Duncan

Lunch friends: Try to mix things up at lunch. Select a group of students, such as the National Honor Society members, to sit with different groups of younger students on a regular basis. Students will get to know other students who they wouldn't typically meet. -Tina Cooper

Random notes: Create a Random Acts of Kindness board. Start off with a bulletin board with a plain black background. Explain to students the idea behind random acts of kindness. Provide colorful sticky notes to teachers and ask them to write down a note about an act of kindness they observe. Soon, the plain, black bulletin board will be a rainbow of colors and each note will provide an idea for another act of kindness. -Francesca Corona

Buddy club: Set up a buddy club made up of a handful of reliable students who can reach out to students who may be new to the school or may be having trouble making friends. -Mandy Sargeon

Daily reminde r: Ask children to participate in the morning announcements at school so they can share a daily message about anti-bullying. One option is to repeat a motto each day, such as "Treat people the way you want to be treated and make it a great day!" -Shuyue Velasquez

Kind words all year long: Start by having each student pull a name of a classmate from a hat. Each student keeps an eye on their new "friend.'' At the end of the week, students compose a note with compliments or nice thoughts and deliver it to their friend. The process is repeated throughout the school year and at year's end, each student has a ring of index cards full of inspirational notes. -Amy Fioretti Harvey

The best PTO advice, ideas, and inspiration delivered weekly. Don't miss it!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Simple Anti-Bullying Programs To Try at Your School - PTO Today

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We recently asked our community to share ideas for anti-bullying programs and we were blown away by the response. One thing is for sure: Stomping out bullying is clearly a priority for parent groups. As a thanks for all the great ideas, we're giving away 10 copies of the new anti-bullying book from Random House, Marlene, Marlene, Queen of Mean, by actress Jane Lynch.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Pro's and Con's of Smaller Class Sizes

# data[].attributes.subject
The Pro's and Con's of Smaller Class Sizes

# data[].attributes.body
Small overview of the benefits and drawbacks that come from limiting class sizes to a smaller number. These have a substantial effect on school climate when implemented properly.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Smaller Class Sizes: Pros and Cons - PublicSchoolReview.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do smaller class sizes make a difference? We look at both sides of the issue.