Promoting School Climate & Violence Prevention through the Connections Program in Mississippi

Creating safer, more inclusive school environments is essential for fostering student success. Rural schools in Mississippi face unique challenges, including high rates of bullying, absenteeism, and violence, often exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities and limited access to resources. The Center for Practical Ethics’ Connections Program is designed to address these challenges by promoting positive school climates and reducing violence through evidence-based interventions and community collaboration. It illustrates how combining ethical education with practical solutions can transform school climates, ensuring all students thrive in supportive, secure environments.

The Connections Program involves teachers, counselors, parents and school resource officers working to implement a curriculum that encourages students to think critically about their actions and decisions. By developing these skills, the researchers aim to reduce the number of chronically absent students and safety concerns in schools.

Given the receipt of grant funding, we are contacting schools and school districts and inviting them to participate. If you are interested in getting your school or district involved and haven’t yet received an invitation, please reach out to us.