"Reports on CNN this week of Monday's school shooting in Santee, Calif., have included several interviews with students and parents of the San Diego suburb. Repeatedly, the interviewees have muttered, I didn't think it could happen here.That same sentiment was expressed by residents of Littleton, Colo., and a growing list of other cities and towns across the United States where, in recent years, tragedy has struck in the form of random, unthinkable school shootings. Oak Harbor is not immune to similar violence. Nor is it a likely location for a school shooting to occur.We are not more prone to it, said Oak Harbor Police Chief Tony Barge. It's just that it can happen anywhere.A recent study conducted by the OHPD, in partnership with CADA and Oak Harbor High School, looked for ways to prevent violence at the high school level. The study, funded by a federal community policing grant, surveyed students and compiled results, revealing both positive findings and areas that could stand improvement.Of 211 randomly-selected students in the survey group, 74 percent said that they feel safe to very safe at school, said Hallie Smith-LaBombard, crime analyst and evaluator for the project. However, 35 percent of those surveyed said they felt bullied, harrassed or intimidated at times. According to Smith-LaBombard, Charles Andrew Williams, the student accused of the California shooting, is aware of television news interviews during which his friends said they never expected him to do something like this. However, the kid who did it was bullied, Smith-LaBombard said.Through the grant study, an anti-bullying campaign was launched at OHHS. Students with chronic discipline problems, said Smith-LaBombard, were required to attend Harrassment Awareness Training. The HAT attendees were also surveyed, and 86 percent stated that they had been bullied, harrassed or intimidated.Often the cycle perpetuates, said Barge. Those that have been bullied then do the bullying. Overall, a report released by Barge and Jim Bailey, grant coordinator for the police department said that teachers and students are doing a pretty good job ensuring a safe and violence-free environment at OHHS. With the conclusion of the grant study, there is no formal anti-violence program in place at the high school.However, the Oak Harbor Police Department, the Oak Harbor High School and numerous not-for-profit organizations and community outreach groups have started programs aimed at preserving a safe and rewarding environment at Oak Harbor Schools.The Soroptimists asked if they could help, said Vice Principal Lynette Vance. They are willing to fund two positions, to continue the HAT classes.While the high school does not have any formal, funded programs right now, there are internal programs in place, utilizing staff, students and police resources.Dean of Students Pat Felger is one such staff member. Students can come to her whether or not they have a problem. But when a discipline problem does arise, Felger meets with the offending student to address the behavior. It's the behavior, not the child, Felger said. She said she discusses the negative behavior of the student while still letting the the student know that they are a good person.Felger's door is always open to students. I have students who never get in trouble, but they just come to visit, she said.One such student is junior Adam Lemieux. Lemieux is actively involved in several groups, including Key Club, Associated Student Body, and High School Bigs, a program of Big Brothers / Big Sisters. In addition he is a Natural Helper, an informal group of students that other students can turn to for support and assistance.OHPD has permanently stationed Officer John Little at the high school. Widely known throughout the school for the lollypops he gives out to the students, his open-door policy encourages daily visits from dozens of students.Sometimes during lunch the line stretches from this door to that door, Little said, pointing to a door about 30 or 40 feet away.Some kids come in just to get a sucker and to chat, said Little. Others come in to inform him of concerns or potential problems regarding themselves or other students. Little protects the identity of his informants, and he follows up on all information provided.Lemieux said that the staff at OHHS regulary interacts with the student body, providing support services that he believes are not readily available at other schools.We have all these programs, but a small town attitude, Lemieux said. That's the difference between Oak Harbor and Littleton or San Diego.You can reach News-Times reporter Christine Smith at csmith@whidbeynewstimes.com or call 675-6611 "

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