5040 BULLYING PREVENTION POLICY The goal of the Guilderland Central School District is to prevent bullying. The Board of Education is committed to creating and maintaining a learning atmosphere which is respectful and supportive. Providing a safe school environment where all students and employees are treated with respect and dignity, and are free from bullying, intimidation and harassment is one of our highest priorities. This freedom is fundamental to our K-12 education program and is extended to everyone without exception. Bullying is a violation of our district core values and will not be tolerated. The Board of Education condemns all forms of bullying. No one students or employees should be fearful of being bullied or harassed. The actions of any one person or group of individuals which threaten the health and safety of students and/or staff must be addressed promptly. Early intervention, reinforcement of a consistent message and follow through from students, parents, staff and administration can ensure that everyone s right to learn and work in a safe environment is respected. The school setting provides an opportunity to teach children and emphasize among staff that cooperation and respect of others is a key district value. A program geared to prevention is designed to not only decrease incidents of bullying, but to help students build more supportive relationships with one another. Staff members need to be sensitized to the warning signs of bullying as well as to their absolute responsibility to become actively involved in the prevention of bullying before overt acts actually occur. The components of such an effort, based on the Olweus model, involve the following: Learning about and identifying the early warning signs and precursor behaviors that may lead to bullying. Gathering information about bullying at school directly from students. Establishing clear school wide and classroom rules about bullying. Training adults in the school to respond sensitively and consistently to bullying. Providing adequate adult supervision, particularly in less structured areas such as in the hallways, cafeteria and playground. Raising parental awareness and involvement in addressing problems. The Superintendent with the cooperation and support of the district wide Task Force on Bullying and the Prevention Coordination Committees in each school should maintain and implement specific procedures on early identification of bullying and other preventive strategies as well as reporting, investigating, remedying and tracking allegations of bullying. All students, school district employees, vendors, and visitors (including parents) to district buildings, buses, athletic fields or locations off-school premises involving school-related activities (i.e., field trips) are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the words and spirit of this policy. We all share in the responsibility to ensure that bullying does not occur.
5040 For the purposes of this policy, bullying is defined as a hostile activity which harms or induces fear through the threat of further aggression and/or creates terror. Bullying may be premeditated or a sudden activity. It may be subtle or easy to identify, done by one person or a group. Bullying includes but is not necessarily limited to: 1. Power imbalance - occurs when a bully uses his/her physical or social power over a victim. 2. Intent to harm - the bully seeks to inflict physical or emotional harm and/or takes pleasure in this activity. 3. Threat of further aggression - the bully and the victim believe the bullying will continue. 4. Terror - when any bullying increases, it becomes a systematic violence or harassment used to intimidate and maintain dominance. (Barbara Coloroso, The Bully, The Bullied & The Bystander, 2003) There are at least three kinds of bullying: verbal, physical and social/relational. Verbal bullying includes name calling, insulting remarks, verbal teasing, frightening phone calls, violent threats, extortion, taunting, gossip, spreading rumors, racist slurs, threatening electronic communications, anonymous notes, etc. Physical bullying includes poking, slapping, hitting, tripping or causing a fall, choking, kicking, punching, biting, pinching, scratching, spitting, twisting arms or legs, damaging clothes and personal property, threatening gestures, setting fires, assault with a weapon, stealing, etc. Social or relational bullying includes excluding someone from a group, isolating, shunning, spreading rumors or gossiping, arranging public humiliation, undermining relationships, teasing about clothing, looks, giving dirty looks, aggressive stares, etc. While the focus of this policy is on prevention, bullying acts may still occur. In these cases, offenders will be given the clear message that their actions are wrong and the behavior must improve. Offenders will receive in-school guidance in making positive choices in their relationships with others. If appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken by the administration. Students or employees of the Guilderland Central School District who have been bullied, parents whose children have been bullied, or other students who observe bullying behavior are encouraged to make a verbal and/or written complaint to a teacher, coach, bus driver, social worker, counselor, supervisor, or administrator. Intervention by adults and bystanders is an important step to prevent escalation and to resolve issues in the earliest stages. At all times, complaints will be documented, tracked and handled according to the regulations and procedures accompanying this policy and the district s Code of Conduct.
5040 As a school community, we strive to create schools and classrooms where a climate of safety and respect will enable all children to thrive and succeed. The process of helping youth can be greatly enhanced when adults are good listeners, supportive, and proactive in helping students deal with concerns and problems. As a staff, we should never limit ourselves to intervene on behalf of students. A copy of this policy and accompanying regulations and procedures are to be distributed to parents, staff and students and posted on the district web site and appropriate places such as bulletin boards throughout school buildings. Additionally, parents, staff and students will be advised of this policy through educational programs and written materials. Cross References: District Code of Conduct Olweus Program Materials Policy #5020.1 Sexual Harassment Policy #5020.2 Racial Harassment of Students Policy #5030 Hazing Policy #5310 Student Discipline Approved: December 9, 2003
5040-R BULLYING PREVENTION REGULATION The Guilderland Central School District will follow these procedures in an effort to prevent bullying, intimidation and harassment; to support respect and dignity for all students and staff; to ensure adult intervention when bullying may occur; and to include a discipline component should a bullying incident take place. Key individuals such as the principal, teacher, bus driver or any adult in a school setting can help to set the tone in preventing a bullying situation from taking place or putting a stop to any harmful act. Staff members must recognize the warning signs of bullying behavior and their absolute responsibility to become actively involved in the prevention of bullying. By the very nature of their duties and involvement with students, staff members can help to ensure that children understand the harmful effects unkind acts can cause and the negative impact that bullying behavior can have on its victims. Everyone has a responsibility to prevent bullying from occurring! There will be ongoing education and discussion to establish and maintain school communities of respect and cooperation. Bullying, harassment, or intimidation is not acceptable behavior at any time. Building principals and supervisors are expected to assume a pivotal role in leading the conversation that bullying is not okay! All new employees should attend training about the prevention of bullying, harassment and intimidation. All staff members must be alert to bullying, take appropriate action when bullying occurs, and help to engender an atmosphere where bullying is not tolerated at school or schoolrelated activities. When incidents of bullying are reported, follow-up by the administration is important. A confidential survey of students will be conducted. The results will be used to assess changes to policy and procedures as well as training programs. Follow-up surveys will be conducted as necessary. Parents will receive information about bullying prevention and what steps to follow to report a bullying incident. Initially, the district will adopt the Olweus bully prevention program. Training of all staff will be done on this bullying prevention program and form the basis of our policy and procedures. This comprehensive prevention/intervention program will be implemented K-12 until such time as an agreed upon change is warranted. Disciplinary consequences for bullying will be outlined in the district s Code of Conduct and will be based on the type of offense, number of occurrences, and developmental level of the student. Incident Report Forms will remain on file in the principal s office.
5040-R GUIDELINES FOR ADDRESSING INCIDENTS INVOLVING A CHILD BEING BULLIED AT SCHOOL a. The administrator, teacher, or other staff member who receive information should prepare a written record of the details. All information shall be shared first with the instructional supervisor, athletic director or special education administrator if applicable and then forwarded to the building administrator or designee immediately. All incidents must be recorded so that data can be tracked and analyzed for future program planning and to document student patterns. b. Teachers and administrators should assure parents and/or students reporting an incident that such information is taken seriously. The issue will be investigated and parents and/or students will be informed of the relevant findings. However, because of privacy requirements parents will not be informed of the disciplinary consequences relating to other children. At all times, confidentiality must be maintained. c. As soon as possible after a report of bullying has been received, the teacher and/or administrator will investigate the matter by meeting individually with the alleged bully (or bullies), the victim(s), and any witnesses. d. If the results of the investigation indicate that the complaint was justified, the teacher and/or administrator will contact the parents of the students involved. A meeting at school may also be appropriate and necessary. The focus of such discussion will be to: review the results of the investigation. reiterate the seriousness of the situation and that any acts of bullying are unacceptable. assign consequences in accordance with the district s Code of Conduct. provide any support services to student(s) as may be needed. commend those individual(s) who brought the matter to the attention of school officials. restate our school district s commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff. Teachers, students, support staff, parents and administrators must work as a team to prevent bullying from occurring and to take action against bullying when it does take place. Cross References: District Code of Conduct Olweus Program Materials Policy #5020.1 Sexual Harassment Policy #5020.2 Racial Harassment of Students Policy #5030 Hazing Policy #5310 Student Discipline Reviewed November 19, 2003
CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 5040-E Bullying Complaint Form Date: Time: School: Room/Location: Complaint filed by Verbal Written Student(s) Initiating Bullying: Grade: Class: Grade: Class: Student(s) Affected: Grade: Class: Grade: Class: Type of bullying alleged: Verbal Physical Social/Relational Check all spaces below that apply. Adult stated or identified inappropriate behavior as: Name calling Insulting remarks Arranging public humiliation Extortion Inappropriate gesturing Stealing Leering/aggressive stares Damaging property Writing/graffiti/e-mail/phone calls Shoving/pushing/spitting/tripping Threatening Hitting/kicking/biting/choking Taunting/ridiculing Flashing a weapon Isolating/shunning Rumors/gossip Other Racist/homophobic/religious slurs Describe the incident (add additional pages if necessary): Witnesses present: Physical evidence: Grafitti Notes Email Web sites Video/audio tape Other Staff signature Parent(s) contacted: Date Time: Administrative response taken (additional pages may be added): Description of follow-up action: Date Signature of Administrator Date November 24, 2003
CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 5040-E Bullying Incident Report Form Dear Parent, The information below is provided for your information. If at all possible, I have talked with you on the phone before it was mailed. If you have any questions or wish to discuss the issue further, please call. (Phone number) Thank you, ************************************* Student s Name Teacher: Date: Parent Contacts: Phone Call (Date/Time ) Form mailed home (Date ) Early intervention, contact not necessary (Bullying issues only) Your child was allegedly involved in: Using inappropriate language Physically hurtful behavior Bullying, teasing, or harassment toward another student(s) Disrespectful language or behavior toward adults Other: Other Comments: November 24, 2003
CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 5040-E BEHAVIOR PLAN Behavior 1 st Occurrence 2 nd Occurrence 3 rd Occurrence DISRUPTIVE Breaking rules in cafeteria, hallway, or playground Refusing to follow adult directions Inappropriate language or gestures, teasing Verbal warning Student writes any apology letter to the offended person and takes a copy home to be signed by parent Student loses 1 noon recess and completes a reflection sheet Apology letter Student loses 2 noon recesses, completes a reflection sheet and meets with counselor to make a plan HURTFUL Destruction/taking property of others Fighting, pushing, kicking, grabbing and other forms of rough play Hurtful name calling, teasing or taunting Student writes an apology letter... loses 1 noon recess Completes reflection sheet Parent conference with teacher and principal Consequence to be determined by group Behavior Specialist notified Reflection sheet Meet with the counselor Parent conference Possible SAT Referral Behavior Specialist and counselor to work with student to implement a behavior plan Reflection sheet Police officer called at the discretion of the principal DANGEROUS Severe punching, kicking, choking or other acts of aggression toward students or staff Threatening harassing or hazing Death threats Parent conference with teacher and principal Consequence to be determined by group Behavior Specialist notified Written apology After school detention Reflection sheet Behavior plan suspension at the discretion of the principal Parent conference with teacher and principal Consequence to be determined by group Behavior Specialist and counselor to work with student to implement a behavior plan Written apology After school detention Reflection sheet Suspension at the discretion of the principal Police officer called at the discretion of the principal Parent conference with teacher and principal Consequence to be determined by group Behavior Specialist notified Written apology After school detention Reflection sheet Behavior plan Suspension at the discretion of the principal Refer to PET for Behavioral Assessment and/or Manifestation Determination Reviewed November 19, 2003
5040.1 PREVENTING CYBERBULLYING AND CYBERTHREATS Our highest priority as a school district is to provide a safe school environment where all students and employees are treated with respect and dignity, and are free from bullying, intimidation, and harassment. Only in this type of environment can students thrive and strive to reach their academic potential. Anyone with a mobile phone or internet connection can be a target for cyberbullying. New communication technologies often provide a means of sending messages anonymously. In addition, there is even greater concern that bullies can reach a wider audience compared to conventional bullying situations as defined in Board of Education policy #5040 and the accompanying regulation. Consistent with this policy is the approach that awareness and education are the keys to preventing cyberbullying and cyberthreats. Technology is a potential avenue available to students to intimidate, harass, and bully other individuals. Cyberbullying means using the Internet, cellular phones or other electronic communication to engage in the mistreatment of others, use of derogatory language or being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful, hurtful or derogatory material. Cyberthreat means online material that threatens or raises concerns about violence against others, suicide, or other self-harm. There are two (2) kinds of cyberthreats: direct threats and distressing materials. Direct threats are actual threats to hurt another person, engage in self-harm or to commit suicide. Distressing material is online material that includes but is not limited to clues indicating that the person is emotionally upset, and that the person is contemplating hurting another person, himself or committing suicide. Distressing material can also be interpreted as impersonating someone else or revealing very private information which could embarrass or humiliate the individual targeted. Cyberbullying or cyberthreatening material, may take the form of text or images posted on web sites, blogs or transmitted via email, discussion groups, message boards, chat rooms, instant messages, cellular phones, or other emerging technology. The use of the District's Internet system, cellular phones on school district property, cellular phones not on school district property, or the use of an Internet system not owned or operated by the District to bully or harass students, faculty and staff is prohibited and may result in discipline. Off-campus cyberbullying or cyberthreats regardless of the form in which the message is transmitted endangering the health, welfare or safety of students, faculty or staff with the District, or adversely affecting the educational process is prohibited. Any student or parent who believes that the student has been subjected to cyberbullying or to cyberthreats within the meaning of this policy must report the bullying or threats to a teacher or an administrator immediately so that assistance and support can be provided. Any faculty or staff member who receives or is made aware of a cyberthreat or other inappropriate message, or
5040.1 becomes aware of potential cyberbullying or cyberthreats must notify their supervisor or building principal immediately. The building principal will investigate the incident and take the appropriate disciplinary actions pursuant to the District's Code of Conduct and District Regulation 5040-R, Bullying Prevention, including involvement of police agencies, as warranted. Cross-Ref: District Code of Conduct Internet and Acceptable Use Policy #4510.2 Sexual Harassment Policy Policy #5020.1 Racial Harassment of Students Policy Policy #5020.2 Hazing Policy Policy #5030 Bullying Prevention Policy #5040 Ref: Education Law 3214 Appeal of A.R.,Decision No. 14,477 (October 19, 2000) Appeal of K.S.,Decision No. 15,063 (June 18, 2004) Appeal of S.W.,Decision No. 15,226 (May 12, 2005) In the Matter of Ann Coghlan, 262 A.D.2d 949 (4`h Dept. 1999). www.cyberbully.org Adopted January 8, 2008 Re-adopted February 9, 2010
5040.1-R PREVENTION OF CYBERBULLYING AND CYBERTHREATS REGULATION Cyberbullying and cyberthreats can occur on and off school property and during school and nonschool hours. Even if a student receives a threatening message at home, such message can directly impact the psychological and emotional well being of that individual. In addition, a message sent electronically can often refer to the school environment. In both situations, cyberbulling and cyberthreats become a problem that must be addressed. As a district, school officials should not hesitate to intervene on behalf of students who may be the victims of cyberbullying or cyberthreats. Mobile, internet, and wireless technologies have increased the pace of communication and brought many benefits, but at the same time, their popularity provides opportunities for misuse. School staff, parents, and students have to be constantly vigilant and work together to prevent this form of bullying and should it occur, take the necessary steps to address the problem directly. The building principal shall immediately take the appropriate actions pursuant to the District s Code of Conduct. Listed below and on the following page are some suggestions and strategies to assist students who may be the victims of cyberbullying and/or cyberthreats as well as guidance for school resource officers, teachers, administrators, and parents to assist victims when problems may occur. (Source: www.antibullying.com) 1. Students should be advised never to send any bullying or threatening messages. Remember, anything written and sent can be read by others. 2. Students who feel they are being bullied or threatened by e-mail, text or online, must be encouraged to talk to someone they trust, particularly an adult a teacher, counselor, coach or parent. 3. To the extent possible, any bullying e-mails, text messages or images should be kept and saved to help trace and identify the aggressor. Always print the information so that a hard copy has been established as evidence. 4. The victim should make a note of the time and date when the bullying messages or images were sent, and note any details about the sender. The service provider (mobile phone company, your internet provider) should be contacted to help identify the alleged cyberbully. 5. Victims can use blocking software which will block instant messages from certain people or use filters to block e-mails from specific e-mail addresses. 6. Victims should not reply to bullying or threatening text messages or e-mails as this could make matters worse. It also lets the bully know that they have found a live phone number or e-mail address.
5040.1-R 7. Students should never give out their personal details online - if in a chatroom, participants need to watch what they say about where they live, their school, e-mail address, etc. This information can enable someone harm students. 8. Students need to be reminded not to forward abusive texts or e-mails or images to anyone. 9. Never give out passwords to your mobile or e-mail account. Cyberbullying and cyberthreats experienced by a child or young adult may not be immediately evident to a parent or teacher, but it is highly intrusive and the hurt being caused can be very severe. Because students are often very adept in learning new technology and such interaction between individuals in the cyber environment is ever changing students, school personnel and parents must take steps to ensure that emerging technology is used safely. By working together and lending support, action can be taken if a student is being cyberbullied or cyberthreatened regardless of where the problem may be originating. Helping young people understand how actions can cause harm to others, especially when it occurs anonymously, is one of the many challenges that this policy regulation seeks to address. A copy of this policy and accompanying regulations and procedures are to be distributed to parents, staff and students and posted on the district web site and appropriate places throughout the school district. Additionally, parents, staff and students will be advised of this policy through educational programs and written materials. Reviewed December 11, 2007 Reviewed February 9, 2010