“Stratton students, teachers and parents should be very proud of what they have accomplished,” said State Superintendent of Schools David Stewart. “This school has embraced the Student Code of Conduct and truly created a place where children feel safe and are ready to learn.”  

The Stratton Model: Respect and Protect was developed by school staff in an effort to stop bullying; encourage all students, teachers and parents to take a stance against violence; and teach students how to make “good choices.”  

Since the Stratton Model: Respect and Protect was put in place one year ago, incidents of fighting, suspensions and other disciplinary actions have significantly decreased. Meanwhile, the students’ Total Basic Skills test scores have improved.  

“We teach our students that violence is not just punching another person. It is any mean word, look, sign or act that hurts a person’s body or feelings,” said Stratton Elementary Counselor Deborah Lewis. “Our students recite the definition of violence every morning and we hope the definition will stick with them for the rest of their lives.”  

Policy 4373 was adopted by the West Virginia Board of Education in 2002. The Student Code of Conduct encourages public school officials to respond immediately and consistently to incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation, substance abuse and/or violence in a manner that “effectively deters future incidents and affirms respect for individuals.”