For More Information:David Glisczinski, publicist, 608-262-5258, [email protected] Waldinger, executive producer, 608-890-2840, [email protected] Schools and Students Combat Bullying on the Next Teen ConnectionHow safe are students in Wisconsin's classrooms? The next Teen Connection will examine the prevalence of bullying in Wisconsin schools and spotlight several districts with initiatives to end bullying and foster a safe learning environment.Teen Connection "School Safety" airs statewide 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 on Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) and on MPTV in Milwaukee. The program will be streamed live on wpt.org/teenconnection.The program will take viewers to Ashwaubenon High School to see how Rachel's Challenge has educated students on the negative effects of bullying and inspired them to promote acts of kindness.Rachel's Challenge is a series of empowering programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying and allay feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion, according to the organization's website. It is named for Rachel Scott, the first student killed at the Columbine High School shooting in 1999.Viewers will also hear how The Alliance School, a charter school in the Milwaukee Public School system, provides a safe place for students regardless of sexuality, identity, appearance, ability or beliefs.The live, call-in program will address the psychological origins of bullying and will update viewers on the current prevalence of bullying in Wisconsin's schools. Featured guests will include: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Psychology Professor Betty DeBoer, Ph.D.; Steve Fernan of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction; and several Wisconsin teens.DeBoer and Fernan will answer questions from teens, who may call in, text or post on Facebook.Teen Connection is co-produced by NEWIST/CESA 7, Educational TV Productions of Northeast Wisconsin (ETP-NEW) and WPT. Host Kathryn Bracho appears courtesy of WBAY-Channel 2 in Green Bay.The live program features a call-in option at 877-988-2888. It is a toll-free call. The service will be provided courtesy of Nsight Teleservices. For more resources, including streaming video of this and previous broadcasts, check wpt.org/TeenConnection.Viewers can text in their questions to 920-288-2574. Standard text message rates apply. Viewers can also submit questions on Teen Connection's Facebook page before or during the program at facebook.com/WisconsinTeenConnection.Joel Waldinger of WPT is the executive producer of Teen Connection. Dean Leisgang of Educational Television Productions of Northeastern Wisconsin and Eileen Littig, NEWIST/CESA #7, are co-producers.WPT is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension.Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV, Madison; WPNE-TV, Green Bay; WHRM-TV, Wausau; WLEF-TV, Park Falls; WHLA-TV, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV, Menomonie-Eau Claire. -END-