Clayton Public Schools recently hosted a training session for Anti-Bullying Specialists on techniques for doing HIB Investigations. Our presenter for this session was Melissa Straub from High Impact Youth Training Solutions, LLC. I must say that all participants were thoroughly impressed with the presentation. Ms. Straub’s knowledge of the subject matter is excellent! In particular, she has great insight with respect to how students use social media in bullying situations. Her presentation included valuable information along with powerful videos that really “hit home” with respect to the effects of bullying on children. Ms. Straub answered all questions posed throughout the presentation. We definitely left the presentation with a better understanding of how to do HIB investigations.

I would recommend Melissa Straub, without hesitation, for anyone wishing to host this type of training for their staff. I am certain anyone experiencing her presentation will undoubtedly be as impressed as we were.

“The HIBSTER software is the next logical step for schools in helping to deter bullying acts in school. The information gathered from this reporting software provides schools the important data in recognizing trends and types of bullying that is occurring within their districts. Schools will then have the ability to act on these reports and utilize additional resources in helping to curb these hurtful acts.”

“With the inception of New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, each incident of bullying needs to documented and corresponding paperwork sent out. With these strict guidelines, there is a lot of information to keep organized. In the beginning I was using Mircosoft Access/Excel; this was a feeble attempt at keeping the program on track. In October, HIBster was introduced to us. This new collection tool was exactly what I needed. With HIBster I can input as much data as I want on each of my cases. I am able to view all the information and edit it as needed. I no longer have to cut and paste from Word to Excel to Access. All that I need is in one place. There is a feature that allows me to check off when I have notified parents, administration, the superintendent, etc. I can print monthly reports and send my findings easily to administration. I can now search for common features that each incident might include, which has helped to shape our anti-bullying program. It is such a relief to have a tool that helps me stay organized and in compliance. I have truly appreciated utilizing this tool; it has made my new position that much easier!”

“If your days are anything like mine, every minute is valuable and used for the task of highest priority. For the first couple months of the school year, I was investigating every HIB report with paper documents and spending hours on typed summaries and report review meetings with administrators. Since the implementation of HIBster, I have been able to spend more time with students instead of paperwork. All information can be kept in one place, and the administrators and superintendent can simply log in to review each report. The program was simple to learn and the Pitt Bull staff is friendly and easily accessible. HIBster has improved the process of documenting HIB reports. I can’t imagine my daily life without it!”

“The students significantly benefited from the Bounce Out Bullying! and character education seminar for students sponsored by HIBster Anti-Bullying Software. Our learning community discovered that they each have the power to stand up to bullying and violence: Expressing how one feels firmly, walking away from a negative situation, and talking to a responsible adult are effective ways for removing the bully’s power. During our 2017/2018 school year, we will continue to implement programs where our students will learn to channel positive energy, build robust friendships, and Bounce Out Bullying!”

“The students significantly benefited from the Bounce Out Bullying! and character education seminar for students sponsored by HIBster Anti-Bullying Software. Our learning community discovered that they each have the power to stand up to bullying and violence: Expressing how one feels firmly, walking away from a negative situation, and talking to a responsible adult are effective ways for removing the bully’s power. During our 2017/2018 school year, we will continue to implement programs where our students will learn to channel positive energy, build robust friendships, and Bounce Out Bullying!”

“Keyport’s relationship with HIBster began several years ago when we began utilizing it for HIB processing and compliance. The software allowed parents, teachers, and the BOE to feel that we were not just being compliant with HIB requirements, but that we were committed to each and every student and parent in our community being able to report in person and using our App which is directly connected to our website. Our relationship has grown throughout the years and we are now streamlining our I &RS process. Our district is committed to working with HIBster as we do this work and they are directly working with us in the provision of tiered intervention. Our next imitative is the transition to 504’s. It is rare that a district can utilize one piece of software to achieve as much as we are with the HIBster.”

“We have been using the HIBster program for almost a complete school year and it has made my life (the ABS) so much easier. The program makes me more efficient in getting cases completed and is no longer burdensome. I don’t have to complete pages and pages of duplicate forms anymore. Everything is just a click away in the program and the only form I use is the statement page which is then simply uploaded to the HIBster program. The ease of entering the information is great, even if I get interrupted, I simply save it and come back to later in the day. Another time saving example is that I, along with my ABC (anti-bullying coordinator) can view something together and don’t have to be in the same office. It is seamless and your team is quite responsive with any questions or concerns. I have received answers from your team the SAME DAY!! That is quite a feat in itself. Thank you, thank you, thank you for such a great program!!”

“Implementing HIBster stream-lined our process and made it easy to keep track of our required timelines. It made managing the required HIB reporting process for 35 schools much easier. The ability to run numerous reports at any point facilitated the use of specific data to enhance school processes and climate. I would certainly recommend HIBster to other districts.”

“With close to 30,000 students located in 57 different schools, HIBster has been a godsend in tracking and organizing incidents of HIB. The district has increased reporting, limited our liability and we are now able to focus on addressing bullying behaviors as intended with the ABR. We would be lost without it.”