Safe School committee meeting Wednesday to discuss projects

The Ponca City Safe School committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ponca City High School Assembly Center.

Chuck Bayha, the high school’s a ssistant principal, said the committee will discuss progress on Rachel’s Challenge, a program presented in the fall of 2015. Its mission is making schools safer, more connected places where bullying and violence are replaced with kindness and respect; and where learning and teaching are awakened to their fullest.

"We now have our groups set up," Bayha said. "The student groups are working on different segments, such as bullying, kindess and empathy for people. They will start working with teachers now to get them involved."

Another emphasis is "Because of Hanah," a suicide intervention and prevention program. Its mission is to provide training to all middle and high school students on suicide prevention and to offer hope to students in crisis.

Bayha also said the committee will continue discussions about reunifying students and their families after a crisis.

He said the Safe School committee is for high school students, parents, faculty and staff.