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.”