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Clinton Township School District Policy

Clinton Township School District Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Prevention Parent University October, 2012. Clinton Township School District Policy. 5512 HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING

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Clinton Township School District Policy

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  1. Clinton Township School District Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying PreventionParent University October, 2012

  2. Clinton Township School District Policy 5512 HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a pupil. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a pupil’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its pupils in a safe and disciplined environment. Since pupils learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, or bullying. www.ctsd.k12.nj.us

  3. Clinton Township School District District Anti-Bullying Coordinator Judith B. Hammond, 908 236-6341, ext. 304 jhammond@ctsd.k12.nj.us Anti-Bullying Specialists CTMS- Kerry Mueller, 908-238-9141, ext. 208 k.mueller@ctsd.k12.nj.us Round Valley School- Greg James, 908-236-6341 ext. 207 gjames@ctsd.k12.nj.us Patrick McGaheran School - Carol Frey, 908-735-5151 ext. 206 cfrey@ctsd.k12.nj.us Spruce Run School Alex Ruttenberg, 908 735-7916 ext. 203 aruttenberg@ctsd.k12.nj.us

  4. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityAnti-Bullying Bill of Rights (ABR) Key Issues in ABR New state reporting requirements on incidents of bullying New grading procedure for schools and districts New training requirements Clarifies instances where school employee may be subject to disciplinary action

  5. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityAnti-Bullying Bill of Rights (ABR) Key Issues in ABR (continued) New definition of bullying Clarifies responsibility for conduct away from school grounds Creates School Safety Teams Requires Anti-Bullying Specialist in every school Requires Anti-Bullying Coordinator for district New investigation, reporting, discipline, appeal procedures

  6. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityDefinition of HIB “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act or any electronic communication, whether it is a single incident or a series of incidents, that is: reasonably perceived as being motivated by either any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability; or

  7. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityDefinition of HIB (cont’d) by any other distinguishing characteristic; and that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds, as provided for in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15.3, that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other pupils; and that

  8. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityDefinition of HIB (cont’d) a reasonable person should know under the circumstances will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a pupil or damaging the pupil’s property, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property, or

  9. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityDefinition of HIB (cont’d) has the effect of insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils, or creates a hostile educational environment for the pupil by interfering with a pupil’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the pupil.

  10. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Off School Grounds Schools are required to address HIB occurring off school grounds when there is a connection between the HIB behavior and the school. Specifically, the behavior must: Significantly disrupt or interfere with the orderly operation of the school or rights of other students; and Create a hostile educational environment for the pupil by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student while in school; or

  11. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Off School Grounds (continued) Place a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm while in school; or Damage a student’s property or places a student in reasonable fear of damage to his property while in school.

  12. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityAnti-Bullying Coordinator Appointed by Superintendent Coordinates/strengthens district HIB policy to prevent, identify, and address HIB Collaborates with anti-bullying specialists, BOE and Supt Meets at least twice a school year with the anti-bullying specialists Provides data, in collaboration with the supt. to the NJDOE Performs other related duties

  13. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityAnti-Bullying Specialist Chairs the school safety team Leads the investigation of reported HIB Acts as the primary school official responsible for preventing, identifying, and addressing incidents of HIB in the school Assists the principal in appropriately applying the range of ways for responding to HIB established by the school board Provides input to local school board on annual re-evaluation, reassessment, review of policy

  14. HIB Prevention Parent UniversitySchool Safety Team Formed to develop, foster, and maintain a positive school climate, including HIB issues Meets at least 2 times per school year. In CTSD school safety teams meet every month Consists of the principal (or designee, preferably a senior administrator) andprincipal appointees: a teacher in the school, the school anti-bullying specialist (serves as chair), a parent/guardian of a student in the school, and other members determined by the principal

  15. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure If my child is involved in a HIB incident how can I expect the school to respond?

  16. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure The Path of an HIB Complaint 1. Verbal Report – Schools staff are required to make a verbal report on the same day the HIB is observed or information is received. The principal takes appropriate action to protect students and implement the BOE’s HIB policies and procedures.

  17. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure 2. Parent Notification – The principal informs parents of accused HIB offenders and targets. 3. Written Report – The staff member making the verbal report submits a written report within two school days of the verbal report.

  18. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure 4. Investigation – An investigation is initiated by the principal within one school day of the verbal report of the incident. The investigation is concluded by the ABS in coordination with the principal. 5. Investigation Report- A written investigation report is completed within 10 school days of the written report. The written report is submitted to the CSA within two days of the completion of the investigation.

  19. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure 6. Chief School Administrator (CSA) Report –The CSA takes the following actions: Makes additional decisions(s), as appropriate, based on the report. Reports the results of investigation to the BOE at its regularly scheduled meeting following completion of the investigation. Provides parents with the following information, in writing, within five school days of the report. The nature of the investigation. Whether evidence of HIB was found and, Whether discipline was imposed or services provided to address the HIB.

  20. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure 7. Board of Education Hearing- The parent may request a hearing before the BOE, which is held within 10 days of the request and is conducted in executive session. 8. Board of Education Action – The BOE: Issues a written decision at the regularly scheduled BOE meeting following its receipt of the CSA’s report. The decision must accept, reject or modify the CSA’s decision.

  21. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure Optional Parent Actions County Office of Education Assistance – Parents are encouraged to resolve HIB complaints with local school officials. The County office is required to investigate parent complaints of non-compliance with the ABR and the BOE’s HIB policy. The directory of county offices can be found at http://www.state.nj.us.education/counties/

  22. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure Optional Parent Actions (continued) Commissioner of Education Appeal - A parent may appeal a BOE decision to the Commissioner of Education no later than 90 days after the BOE’s decision. Superior Court Appeal –A parent may file an appeal of the Commissioner of education’s decision with the Appellate Division of the Superior Court.

  23. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure Optional Parent Actions (continued) Division on Civil Rights Complaint - A parent may file a complaint with the Division on Civil Rights, New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety within 180 days of the occurrence of HIB Based on membership in a protected group.

  24. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure What types of school responses to HIB incidents are required? The ABR requires the implementation of a range of responses that are determined by the BOE and implemented, as appropriate, by the ABS and the principal.

  25. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure What types of school responses to HIB incidents are required? (continued) The responses must include: Corrective actions; Consequences that are graded according to the severity of the offenses and consider the developmental ages of the offenders and their histories of problem behaviors and performance; and An appropriate combination of counseling, support services, intervention services and other programs.

  26. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure What types of school responses to HIB incidents are required? (continued) Boards of Education are encouraged to develop and implement a range of responses that include individual, classroom, school and district responses.

  27. HIB Prevention Parent University What information must a parent receive if their child is involved in a HIB incident? All parents of alleged HIB offenders and alleged victims must be informed of the HIB report by the principal.

  28. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHIB Reporting Procedure What information must a parent receive if their child is involved in a HIB incident? (continued) Parents of suspected HIB offenders and suspected victims must be provided with the following information within five days after the results of the investigation are reported by the CSA to the BOE. The nature of the investigation Whether the district found evidence of HIB Whether discipline was imposed or services provided to address the HIB incident

  29. HIB Prevention Parent University Who can and who must report HIB incidents. All school employees observing or having direct knowledge from a participant, a victim of an act of HIB are required to file a report describing the incident to the school principal, in a manner described in the district’s HIB policy.

  30. HIB Prevention Parent University Who can and who must report HIB incidents. (continued) Students, parents, and community members are not required to report HIB incidents. When they report incidents, they may, but are not required to submit a form for an investigation to take place. Anonymous Reporting: Under the ABR, all districts are required to include a provision in their anti-HIB policy allowing a person to anonymously report an act of HIB. CTSD - We Tip Anonymous Hotline.

  31. Every Student, Every Incident, Every Time! What does that mean? If a parent or child reports they’ve been bullied You report & we investigate. No exceptions!

  32. Every Student, Every Incident, Every Time! Name the specific behavior: I saw … I am concerned because…. If bullying is stated we have to investigate.

  33. WHAT IS BULLYING?

  34. Normal Conflict… Bullying… DISTINGUISHING CONFLICTS Involves an imbalance of power Involves one party exerting their needs or interests Is one-sided; one party instigates Involves people with similar degrees of power Involves a mutual disagreement or difference in interests or goals Is reciprocal; both parties participate in the conflict

  35. Normal Conflict… Bullying… DISTINGUISHING CONFLICTS Involves hurtful behavior on behalf of one party against another Bully is responsible for wrongdoing A fair resolution involves a change in the behavior of the bully; the target has no concession to make Does not become normal conflict if the target retaliates in defense Both parties are responsible for wrongdoing Can be fairly resolved by compromise or negotiation

  36. TYPES OF BULLYING • Physical bullying • punching, shoving, acts that hurt people • Verbal bullying • name calling, teasing, making offensive remarks

  37. TYPES OF BULLYING • Indirect bullying • spreading rumors • keeping certain people out of the “group” • getting certain people to “gang up” on others • Cyber bullying • sending insulting messages by e-mail, text messaging, chat rooms, etc.

  38. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityCreating a Positive School Climate and Culture What are we doing about bullying? Modeling behavior that is inclusive and promotes respect for all. Providing children with opportunities to talk about bullying and enlist their support in defining bullying as an unacceptable behavior. Developing action plans for what students are to do if they observe a bully or are confronted by a bully.

  39. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityWarning Signs of Bullying How do you know if your child is engaging in bullying behavior? Ask yourself… Has my child ever been accused of being a bully at school or elsewhere? Has my child gotten into trouble for fighting (physically or verbally) with other children at school? Does my child become easily frustrated, defiant or oppositional when he does not get his way?

  40. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityWarning Signs of Bullying Who are my child’s friends? How does my child interact with others? Have I witnessed my child with other children? Is she dominant or aggressive? What does my child do with spare time? What are my child’s hobbies? Does my child speak about other children as “stupid” or use other negative terms to describe others? Does my child talk about certain children “deserving” bad things to happen to them or showing little concern for others in bad situations?

  41. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityWhat You Can Do if You Suspect Your Child Is Bullying Discuss school rules and behavior expectations with your child Find out exactly what it is that your child has been doing. What has your child been accused of doing? What does your child admit to doing? Talk to your child, calmly, about why she is engaging in such behaviors. It is important that you not approach your child in an accusatory or confrontational tone Some children may feel pressure to participate in bullying behavior in order to fit in with peers or to avoid being bullied themselves

  42. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityWhat You Can Do if You Suspect Your Child Is Bullying (continued) Explain how bullying affects others (targets, bystanders, school climate) Discuss alternatives to aggressive behavior Role playing may help some children to understand how it feels to be bullied Teach your child to show tolerance for those who are different. Model this behavior yourself Praise your child for using alternative, appropriate behavior Establish consequences for negative behaviors, such as losing privileges (consequences should be nonphysical in nature)

  43. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityWhat You Can Do if You Suspect Your Child Is Bullying (continued). Ensure appropriate adult supervision at all times. Be aware of your child’s involvement in activities inside and outside of school Report any incidents of bullying behaviors to school officials, even if your child is the one engaging in those behaviors Seek outside help

  44. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHow Do You Know Your Child is Being Bullied? Does my child fear going to school? Has my child been out sick a lot? Visible bruises: Have I noticed bruises on my child? When I ask my child about the bruises, what is the response? Does my child have friends? Who are they? Have I seen the way that they interact? Is my child submissive or withdrawn with other children?

  45. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityHow Do You Know Your Child is Being Bullied (continued)? Does my child seem unhappy or insecure or have low self-esteem? Does my child talk about “nobody liking her” or “not having any friends?” Does my child talk about wanting to hurt someone or get back at someone? Does my child have difficulty being assertive when it’s necessary?

  46. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityWhat You Can Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied Do not confront the suspected bully or bullies on your own. Talk to a school administrator about the situation. Ask your child what takes place in school, what happens when there is free time, how they are feeling. Role play with your child and discuss ways they can respond to a bully (e.g. walking away, telling an adult, or asking for help from peers.) Teach your child that telling on those who bully should not be considered tattling Let your child know that by reporting bullying, help will come and that support will come from you and from the school staff.

  47. HIB Prevention Parent UniversityWhat You Can Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied (continued) Encourage your child to talk with friends about bullying Bullies rarely target kids in groups, so your child should maintain a peer group that is unified Ensure appropriate adult supervision at all times Be aware of your child’s involvement in activities inside and outside of school Report any incidents of bullying behaviors, even if your child is not the target of such behavior, to school officials Seek outside help

  48. HIB Prevention Parent University Important: The ABR was created with the intent to prevent bullying and create safe schools for ALL students. Remember to: Call the principal or ABS if you have ANY concerns regarding the bullying of your child, or any other child.

  49. Clinton Township School District District Anti-Bullying Coordinator Judith B. Hammond, 908 236-6341, ext. 304 jhammond@ctsd.k12.nj.us Anti-Bullying Specialists CTMS- Kerry Mueller, 908-238-9141, ext. 208 k.mueller@ctsd.k12.nj.us Round Valley School- Greg James, 908-236-6341 ext. 207 gjames@ctsd.k12.nj.us Patrick McGaheran School - Carol Frey, 908-735-5151 ext. 206 cfrey@ctsd.k12.nj.us Spruce Run School Alex Ruttenberg, 908 735-7916 ext. 203 aruttenberg@ctsd.k12.nj.us

  50. HIB Prevention Parent University School Resources: Anti-Bullying Information http://www.ctsd.k12.nj.us/ State Resources: State of New Jersey Harassment intimidation and Bullying (HIB) http://www.state.nj.us/education/students/safety/behavior/hib Federal Website: http://www.stopbullying.gov

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