NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS HIGHLIGHTS OF HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING POLICY
Dec 14, 2015
NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
HIGHLIGHTS OF
HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING POLICY
NJDOE MANDATORYNEW POLICY
File Code: 5131.1
REASONS FOR THE LAW
Significant Recent Research Since the Original 2002 NJ Anti-Bully Law
2009 U.S. Departments of Justice an Education Study:
32% of the students ages 12 through 18 were bullied in the previous year.
25% of reporting schools indicated bullying was a daily or weekly problem.
REASONS FOR THE LAW (CONT.)
2009 “Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance” US Center for Disease Prevention and Control:
Percentage of students bullied in NJ is 1% higher than the national median.
BULLYING: LEARNED BEHAVIOR
Research clearly indicates bullying is learned behavior and detrimental to the academic, physical, social and emotional development of all involved – bullies, targets and the bystanders who witness it…A wave of recent bullying incidents with tragic outcomes has shed a renewed light on the issue. The advent of technology allowing for impulsive, anonymous and rapid communication, has expanded the opportunities for bullying to a degree that necessitates more innovative and immediate responses than ever before.
Source: DuPage County Anti-Bullying Task Force Model Bullying Policy (2011).
PUTTING ALL THE PIECES TOGETHER
GoalDevelop and sustain safe,
supportive and civil schools in which
HIB does not occur.
A COMPREHENSIVE HIB PROGRAM: 5 COMPONENTS
The District will not tolerate acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying.
PROHIBITION OF HIB
The District expects all students to treat each other with civility and respect.
EXPECTATION
The Pillars of Character Education are essential
components of the district curriculum to model appropriate
behavior.
DISTRICT CURRICULUM
•Trustworthiness
•Fairness
•Respect •Caring•Responsibility •Citizenship
School responses are aligned to the approved Code of Conduct in the Newark Public School’s
Discipline Plan and Policy.
CODE OF CONDUCT
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Levels I and IILevel I Misconduct
Disruptive behavior Unexcused tardiness/class cutting/absence Failure to wear identification badge when provided Cheating Failure to complete assignments Failure to follow instructions Wearing hats or other apparel disruptive to the educational
process or other Dress Code Violations Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
Action Taken for Level I Misconduct Verbal reprimand Contact parent Peer mediation Conference Withdrawal of privileges Detention Behavioral contract Behavioral Improvement Program
NotesParent must be notified if student is kept for detention.No student K to 5 may be kept beyond 3:15PM
Level II Misconduct Continuation of unmodified Level I Misbehavior Improper public display of affection Defamation Indecent exposure Insubordination Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying(continuation of behavior) Leaving school without permission Defying (disobeying the authority of school personnel) Disruptive behavior on the school bus/public transportation Interfering with school authorities and programs through walk-
outs or sit-ins Profane, obscene, indecent and immoral or seriously offensive
language and gestures Using forged notes or excuses Scholastic dishonesty Unauthorized sale or distribution of printed material Unauthorized use of portable electronic communication devices Improper urination/defecation Truancy/ absences / lateness
Actions Taken for Level II Misconduct Confiscated items will only be returned to
parents Peer counseling Peer mediation Counseling Parent/guardian conference required Referral to social worker Behavioral contracts Probation contracts Request for assistance I& RS committee
member Referral to outside agency Suspension upon the approval of the
Regional Superintendent
NotesConfiscated items will only be returned to parents.
Level IIILevel III Misconduct
Gambling Graffiti Contaminating food Fighting Stealing Threats to others Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying(consistent ,sustained and organizing
others) Cyberbullying and Harassment(threatening others) Continued disruptive behavior Smoking on school property Possession of fireworks Reckless endangerment Unauthorized possession, use or distribution of medication Trespassing False alarm Vandalism/destruction of property-between $25 and $500 Extreme defiance Gender, racial or ethnic harassment Sexual harassment Wearing gang related apparel or accessories which indicate gang membership of
affiliation.
Action Taken for Level III Misconduct
Clean graffiti Restitution for
vandalism Confiscated items
will not be returned
Parent/guardian conference required
Counseling Referral to social
worker Request for assistance I&RS committee member
Referral to outside agencies
Alternative programs/Suspension Off-Site
Suspension On-Site Suspension Off-Site Suspension
NotesConfiscated items will only be returned to parents(i.e. beepers, cell phones)
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT - CONTINUED
Level IVLevel IV Misconduct
Weapons Pulling fire boxes Extortion Physical attack on staff Harassment ,Intimidation and Bullying(sustained
behavior and threats to others) Cyberstalking (endangering lives of others through
widespread dissemination) Possession and/or use of biohazard materials Bomb threat Possession, use or distribution of explosives Theft/possession/sale of stolen property Possession/use/transfer of dangerous weapons Assault and battery Vandalism/destruction of Property- above $500 Arson Possession, use, distribution of alcohol, marijuana,
prescription drugs, controlled dangerous/illegal substances, imitation controlled substances, inhalants, other intoxicants, controlled or drug paraphernalia
Use/furnishing/selling/possession of unauthorized or illegal substance
Use of cellular phone to facilitate the commission of a crime or to inflict injury or harm to persons or property.
Terroristic threats Alcohol Sexual assault
Actions Taken for Level IV MisconductFor students up to the age of 17
Suspension on Site Alternative schools/services Suspension Other Superintendent action which
results in appropriate placement Expulsion Suspension Off-Site
For students 18 years old and over Alternative school/Evening High
School Other Superintendent action which
results in appropriate placement Suspension Off Site Expulsion
NotesSchool Officials contact a Law Enforcement Agency and assist in prosecuting the offender.Parents are to be notified immediately.Referral to the Child Study Team.A student found to have been in violation of the policy would immediately enter an alternative program for a period of not less than 20 school days
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT - CONTINUED
LEVELS OF CONSEQUENCES IN CODE OF CONDUCT•Admonishment
•Temporary removal from the classroom•Deprivation of privileges•Referral to disciplinarian•In-school suspension during the school week or the weekend; not to exceed four days – Level 3•Out-of-school suspension; not to exceed four days – Level 4•Cyberstalking – Level 4•Legal action; and – Level 4•Expulsion – Level 4
“Harassment, intimidation or bullying” is
defined as any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication,
whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that is reasonably perceived as being
motivated either…
DEFINITION
by any actual or perceived characteristics, such as race, color,
religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and
expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability, or by any other
distinguished characteristic, that takes place on school grounds, at any school-
sponsored function or on a school bus, or off school grounds.”
DEFINITION (CON’T)
Cyberbullying is an “electronic com-munication.” It is communication that is
transmitted by means of an electronic device, including,
but not limited to a telephone, cellular phone or computer.
DEFINITION (CON’T)
OFF SCHOOL GROUNDS
Any incident reported to the school, must be an investigated if it
substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the
school and the rights of the students.
Difference between Conflict and HIB
•“Mutually” competitive or opposing action or engagement.•Includes disagreements, arguments and fights.•A normal part of growing up and of life
•HIB is one-sided•One or more students are victims of one of more person’s aggression, as it applies to the HIB definition.•The intent is to physically or emotionally hurt someone.
Conflict HIB
Contact Information
•The following information must be posted on the district’s Website for the District Anti-Bullying Coordinator.• Name, school phone number, school address and
school email address.•The following information must be posted on the school’s Website for both the District Anti-Bullying Coordinator and School Anti-Bullying Specialist.• Name, school phone number, school address and
school email address
REPORTING
The Principal and/or his designee shall be responsible for receiving complaints alleging violations of this policy.
All student incidents for Level 1, 2, 3 and Level 4 should be recorded within 24 hours on the Vandalism and Violence Report forms and faxed to the Regional Superintendent and the Office of Academic Services.
Incidents for Level 3 and Level 4 must be recorded in PowerSchool.
REPORTING
All acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying that are reported in writing to the school principal should be investigated within two school days of when the school employee or contracted service provider witnessed or received reliable information that a student had been subjected to harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Complaint form may be utilized for this purpose (Disciplinary Plan Policy) faxed to the Regional Superintendent and the Office of Academic Services.
Staff Incident Report faxed to Labor Relations and Affirmative Action Offices.
PROCEDURE
DISTRICT ANTI-BULLYING COORDINATOR
The chief school administrator appointed a Anti-Bullying Coordinator-Mrs. Delores Lemons-Gresham/321/973-733-6164
A. Be responsible for coordinating and strengthening the school district’s policies to prevent, identify and address harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students
B. Collaborate with school anti-bullying specialists in the district, the board of education, and the chief school administrator to prevent, identify, and respond to harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students in the district
C. Provide data, in collaboration with the chief school administrator, to the Department of Education regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents
D. Provide mandatory training
SCHOOL ANTI-BULLYING SPECIALIST
The principal in each school shall appoint a School Anti-Bullying Sspecialist.
Responsibilities:
A. Chair the school safety team; sub-committee of the School Leadership Council.
B. Lead the investigation and resolve all incidents of harassments, intimidation, and bullying in the school; utilize Incident Tracking form.
C. Act as the primary school official responsible for preventing, identifying, and addressing incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in the schools.
The District shall form a School Safety Sub Committee in each school to develop, foster, and maintain a positive school climate by focusing on the on-going, systemic process and practices in the school and to address school climate issues inclusive of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
SCHOOL SAFETY TEAMSCHOOL LEADERSHIP
COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEE GOAL
Committee shall consist of principal, administrator, designee teacher, school anti-bullying specialist, parent of student in the school. Other members determined by principal (only of confidentiality not compromised).
SCHOOL SAFETY TEAM MEMBERSHIP
The School Safety Team shall meet at least two times per school year.
The School Safety Team along with principal shall be responsible for providing Positive Behavior Supports to enhance school climate.
SCHOOL SAFETY TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
The School Safety Team shall:
A. Receive any complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students that have been reported to the principal;
B. Receive copies of any report prepared after an investigation of an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
C. Identify and address pattern of harassment, intimidation, bullying of students in the school;
D. Review and strengthen school climate to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, bullying of students;
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
E. Ensure school enforces positive behavior supports to prevent incidents;
F. Educate the community, including students, teachers, administrative staff, and parents, to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students;
G. Participate in the training required pursuant to the provisions of (N.J.S.A. 18a:37-13 et seq) and other training which the principal or the District Anti-Bullying Coordinator may request.
H. Collaborate with the District Anti-Bullying Coordinator in the collection of district-wide data and in the development of district policies to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students.
RESPONSIBILITIES (CON’T)
Principal shall be responsible for promptly answering
investigations committed on school grounds, at school
activities, on school buses, as well as OFF school
grounds.
The investigation shall be initiated by the principal or the principal's designee within one school day of the report of the incident and shall be conducted by a school anti-bullying specialist.
The investigation shall be completed as soon as possible, but not later than ten school days from the date of the written report of the incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
The results of the investigation shall be reported to the District Anti-Bullying Coordinator within two school days of the completion of the investigation on the Violence and Vandalism Report.
INVESTIGATION
WEEK OF RESPECT
In the state of New Jersey, the first Monday in October of each year is designated as a “Week of Respect.”