Michigan School Principals Join Hazelden and National Association to Launch Bullying Prevention Initiative

CENTER CITY, Minn., Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA) is excited to be launching with Hazelden, an internationally known nonprofit foundation, and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), the Michigan Bullying Prevention Initiative. Bullying is a serious issue that affects students' health, the school climate, academic achievement, and school liability.

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Hazelden, headquartered in Center City, Minnesota, is the leading publisher of evidence-based prevention programs and the exclusive publisher of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. With over 35 years of research and successful implementation all over the world, the Olweus program is a school wide approach proven to prevent or reduce bullying throughout an educational setting. Many schools that have used the program have seen reductions in bullying behavior by 50% or more.

Geared to students in grades 1-8, the Olweus program is used at the school, classroom, and individual levels and includes methods for involving parents and the community. Efforts are designed to improve peer relations and make the school a safer and more positive place for students to learn and develop.

MEMSPA will work with Hazelden to educate school communities about the serious problem of bullying and other related violence issues. To kick off this partnership, Hazelden will be a featured exhibitor at MEMSPA's annual "Leading and Learning" conference on December 1-3 in Traverse City, Michigan.

"MEMSPA, the elementary and middle school principals association in Michigan, is the group that should lead the way in Michigan bullying prevention. Principals play a vital role in creating a positive school culture," said Bob Howe, MEMSPA's executive director. "Hazelden and the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program are the gold standard in evidence-based bullying prevention programs."

To learn more about the Michigan Bullying Prevention Initiative, visit www.memspa.org, call 517-694-8955 or email bob@memspa.org.

"Hazelden is excited to be working with such a strong organization as MEMSPA to bring much needed bullying prevention programming to schools and communities across the state," said Sue Thomas, business development director at Hazelden.

About The Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA)

The Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association is a professional organization serving elementary and middle level principals.  MEMSPA is dedicated to supporting Michigan principals in the delivery of quality educational experiences to the students of Michigan by providing leadership, legislative advocacy, professional development and guidance.

About the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)

The mission of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) is to lead in the advocacy and support for elementary and middle level principals and other education leaders in their commitment for all children. NAESP is committed to providing the research, tools, learning experiences, and networking that enable our members to understand and prepare students to be highly adaptive learners in a rapidly changing world.

About Hazelden

Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949, helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. Built on decades of knowledge and experience, Hazelden offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that addresses the full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher education, public education and advocacy, and publishing. It has facilities in Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, New York, and Florida. Learn more at www.hazelden.org or call 800-257-7800.

SOURCE Hazelden Foundation