Anti-Bullying Action Plan (HIB) for THS - Tenafly High School ...

Tenafly High SchoolThis is an Anti-Bullying Zone!Action Plan2012-2013Harassment, Intimidation,and Bullyingin compliance withNew Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of RightsPL 2010, Chapter 122

District StatementThe New Jersey Anti-Bullying of Rights, PL 2010, Chapter 122, effective September1, 2011 states that “harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture,any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether itbe a single incident or a series of incidents, that is reasonably perceived as beingmotivated by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion,ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity andexpression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability; or by any distinguishingcharacteristic; and that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsoredfunction, on a school bus, or off school grounds that substantially disrupts orinterferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students;and that:a. a reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have theeffect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging thestudent’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical oremotional harm to his person or damage to his property;b. has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students;orc. creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interferingwith a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical oremotional harm to the student.We expect the members of our school community to abide by our district’s HIBPolicy and encourage each to report incidences of harassment, intimidation orbullying. Upon receiving a report of HIB, the School Safety Team will take theappropriate steps in response, in accordance with the New Jersey Anti-BullyingBill of Rights Act.

Anti-Bullying Zone

Code of ConductThe Tenafly Public Schools values a community of students that works together tocreate a productive learning environment in which all students feel safe, secureand comfortable. To this end students are expected to act responsibly indemonstrating mutual respect, trust, and compassion. The faculty and staff worktogether to create a nurturing environment as they strive to meet our children’sneeds, instill in our children a love for learning and develop in them anunderstanding of others. Students have a right to a good education, to receiverespect, to be treated with kindness, and to be trusted. In turn, children areexpected to study and participate actively in their learning, work cooperativelyand to follow directions, to seek help in solving problems, to settle differences inan appropriate manner, to accept responsibility for their actions, to reportinstances of violation of which they are aware with the expectation of notretaliation for such reporting, to respect others’ person and property, to useappropriate language, to dress appropriately, to be sensitive to others’ feelings,and to help others.In accordance with New Jersey Administrative Codes, 6A: 16-5.1 and 18A: 25-2,and Board policy #5600, the district has developed guidelines for a code ofstudent conduct. These guidelines address any violations of the code and specificareas of misconduct. These include (but are not limited to) fighting, physicalcontact (which is considered dangerous and/or not dangerous), Internet in-schoolviolation (inappropriate use), Internet out-of-school violation (inappropriate use,e.g. slander or threats), sexual harassment (including exposing oneself or sexualassault including exposing another) and vandalism (both minor and major).Disciplinary sanctions to violations of our code of conduct include a number ofresponses to such disruptive behaviors ranging from a student and/or parentconference to detention or suspension. The degree of sanction is contingentupon grade level (i.e., primary, intermediate, middle or high school) and whetheror not the misconduct is a first or second offense. Violations regarding weaponsor substance abuse are addressed in accordance with Board policies #5611 and

#5530. Violations involving HIB will be addressed in accordance with the NewJersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, P.L. 2010, Chapter 122 and the Board policies#5512, #5600, #8461 and #0144.Students are accorded due process. The first step in this process is a conferencewith the principal or a designee who will designate the appropriate consequencewith reference to the guidelines for district code of conduct. Dissatisfaction withthe consequence can be appealed to the superintendent or his/her designee.Appeals to the Board can be made only in accordance with New Jersey code andstatute. Students are responsible for being familiar with these policies.Please Note: The complete THS Code of Conduct and information about relatedpolicies/procedures can be found in the Tiger-Q Student Handbook which isposted on the Tenafly High School page of the Tenafly Public Schools website atwww.tenafly.k12.nj.us.A hard copy of the Tiger-Q can also be obtained via written request to the VicePrincipal.Mr. Brian P. CoryVice Principal19 Columbus DriveTenafly, New Jersey 07670201-816-6604bcory@tenafly.k12.nj.us

THS StatementTenafly High School seeks to foster and instill a responsibility among all its familymembers to contribute to a safe, orderly, and productive learning environment.It is the responsibility of each individual to behave in such a way as to respect therights of all members of the Tenafly High School community. Desired valuesinclude courtesy, cooperation, respect, integrity, honesty, and open-mindedness.Tenafly High School’s overarching and continual goal is to create an atmospherethat encourages these values and enhances a sense of community.Every member of the THS school community has the right to feel free from anythreat of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying. HIB against members of theTHS school community are prohibited and will result in consequences foroffenders in accordance with the New Jersey Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act anddistrict policy.The New Jersey Anti-Bullying of Rights Act can be found in its 22-page entirety athttp://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/AL10/122_.PDF.THS Safety TeamDr. Dora P. KontogiannisPrincipal201-816-6605dkontogiannis@tenafly.k12.nj.usMr. Brian P. CoryVice Principal201-816-6604bcory@tenafly.k12.nj.us

Mrs. Jayne BembridgeDirector of Guidance201-816-6639jbembridge@tenafly.k12.nj.usMrs. Donna LewisSupervisor of Student Services201-816-6672dlewis@tenafly.k12.nj.usMrs. Janet GouldStudent Assistance Counselor &THS Anti-Bullying Specialist19 Columbus DriveTenafly, New Jersey 07670201-816-6631Jgould@tenafly.k12.nj.usIn addition to the above members, the THS Safety Team includes representativesfrom faculty, parents, and students that will be convened for team meetingsthroughout the school year.Parents are not permitted to have knowledge of specific incidents in reviewingpatterns of behavior. Student confidentiality must be protected.The School Safety Team will review patterns of HIB and make recommendationsfor school programs and interventions. The Principal or designee will keep arecord of all reports and investigations.District Anti-Bullying CoordinatorBarbara Simitian LaudicinaAssistant Superintendent500 Tenafly RoadTenafly, New Jersey 07670201-816-4511blaudicina@tenafly.k12.nj.us

Common Forms of HIBThe following are common forms of HIB to remain mindful of and vigilant against:Direct Verbal AggressionIndirect Verbal AggressionWritten AggressionPhysical AggressionProperty DamagePsychological/Emotional AggressionSocial/Relational AggressionSocial ExclusionSpreading RumorsTexting OthersBias-Based BullyingSexual HarassmentHazingCyber-BullyingAltering Websites and/or Online PicturesHelpful Resources for Awareness & PreventionThe official U.S. Government website for information regarding Bullying ismanaged by the Department of Health & Human Services in partnership with theDepartment of Education and Department of Justice http://stopbullying.gov/

Preventing Child and Sexual Violence August 2006What we know about Bullying Tip SheetWarning signs that a child is being Bullied Tip SheetChildren who Bully others Tip SheetBullying and Children with Disabilities Tip SheetBullying and Sexual Orientation Tip SheetBest Practices in Bullying Prevention Tip SheetBullying Fact Sheet from Centers for Disease ControlCommon Myths and Misdirection in Bullying Prevention and Intervention (1)Common Myths and Misdirection in Bullying Prevention and Intervention (2)The Ophelia Project http://opheliaproject.org/main/index.htm serves youth andadults who are affected by relational and other non-physical forms of aggressionby providing them with a unique combination of tools, strategies and solutions.In addition to general information, the Ophelia Project website offers severalbrochures and tip sheets at http://opheliaproject.org/main/Bullying%20Tips.html.Clemson University’s Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP)http://www.olweus.org/public/index.page.NJ FEA: A Road Map to Bullying Prevention videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqRFYw7QsP4.

Electronic, Cyber-Bullying & Social Networking SitesCyberbullying: Doing Something about It, Lawfully - This document addressesthe legal aspects of cyberbullying. The document addresses when a school maydiscipline the cyberbully. More importantly, the document discusses steps thatmust be taken by school officials even in situations where the school cannotlawfully punish the cyberbully.Protecting you Child from Electronic AggressionElectronic Aggression Brief from the Center for Disease ControlFacebook SafetyThis section of the social networking site Facebook contains information andanswers to a variety of safety questions related to Facebook and includes a"Safety for Parents" and "Safety for Teens" section.Avoiding and Responding to Problems on FacebookThis document, written by Elizabeth K. Englander of the MassachusettsAggression Reduction Center (MARC), contains specific instructions for changingyour Facebook settings to increase your privacy on Facebook.MySpace SafetyThis website, targeted to parents, provides information about the popular onlinecommunity MySpace and offers tools and tips for ensuring your child's safetyonline.Twitter SafetyThis page contains tips and resources for protecting your privacy on Twitter andpreventing cyberbullying and cyberharassment.

THS 2012-2013 Training & Related ActivitiesStaff, Students & CommunitySchool Safety Team (at least two meetings annually)Staff Training Sessions / Designated Faculty MeetingsTiger-Q Student HandbookTiger-Q VideoFreshman OrientationStudent Services Groupo group that is comprised of Vice Principal, Director of Guidance,Supervisor of Student Services, Counselors, Case Managers, theNurse, and the Student Assistance Counselor that meets to discussstruggling students and school-wide concerns, including HIBStudent Newcomers Groupo Support and advisory group for new THS students to ensure asuccessful transition and integration to the school communityPrincipal’s Cabineto Agendas including discussions about and dissemination of relateddata and development of school-improvement plansStudent Organization Projectso Conversations and projects aimed at HIB awareness and preventionTiger Leapso THS newsletter including Student Services and School Counselingcolumns related to HIB

High School Websiteo Periodic posting related to HIB awareness and preventionObservance of Week of Respecto Focus on character educationHalligan Presentation (9 th graders during the day and parent presentation inthe evening)School Violence Awareness Weeko focus on conflict resolution, diversity and tolerancePeer Leaderso Designated sessions with 9 th graders on themes of anti-bullying,stereotyping and conflict resolutionTeen Pepo Program covers unique stressors and forms of HIB in a variety ofsettings and with diverse populationsIMPACT Ambassadorso Promotes a safe, inclusive environment for all and seeks to assistschool community members in crisis and/or needSuicide PreventionAthletic Team Captainso theme-weeks during Week of Respect and School ViolenceAwareness WeekHome-School Associationo meeting(s) on HIB Awareness & Prevention

Staff ResponsibilitiesThe Law“Any employee observing or having direct knowledge from a participant or victimof an act of violence shall, in accordance with standards established by thecommissioner, file a report describing the incident to the school principal in amanner prescribed by the commissioner, and copy of same shall be forwarded tothe district superintendent.”“All acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall be reported verbally to theschool principal on the same day when the school employee or contracted serviceprovider witnessed or received reliable information regarding any such incident.”“All acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall be reported in writing tothe school principal within two school days of when the school employee orcontracted service provider witnessed or received reliable information that astudent had been subject to harassment, intimidation, or bullying.”“A member of the board of education or a school employee who promptly reportsan incident of harassment, intimidation or bullying, to the appropriate schoolofficial designated by the school district’s policy, or to any school administrator orsafe schools resource officer, and who makes this report in compliance with thedistrict’s policy, is immune from a cause of action for damages arising from anyfailure to remedy the reported incident.”“A member of a board of education, school employee, student or volunteer shallnot engage in reprisal, retaliation or false accusation against a victim, witness orone with reliable information about an act of harassment, intimidation orbullying.”

When to Report“…whether it be a single or a series of incidents…”Observe, suspect, and/or are informed about any of the common forms ofHIB listed aboveo Note: HIB could take place in hallways, in communal areas (cafeteria,library/media center, auditorium) as well as during supervisoryperiods (ex. study hall), on bus trips, on athletic fields/courts and inlocker rooms, on campus or off campus), etc.Observe, suspect, and/or are informed about a student being picked onbecause of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexualorientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical orsensory disability; or by any distinguishing characteristicObserve, suspect, and/or are informed about activity that substantiallydisrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school, a student’seducation or the student’s rightsObserve, suspect, and/or are informed about activity that is perceived asphysically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’sproperty, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of physical or emotionalharm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or has the effect ofinsulting or demeaning any student or group of studentsObserve, suspect, and/or are informed about activity that creates a hostileeducational environment for the student by interfering with a student’seducation or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harmto the studentThe key is committing to be proactive, aware, and attentive at all times inprofessional capacities.

Staff, Students & CommunityHow to ReportThe Tenafly Public Schools and the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights requires each staffmember, volunteer or contracted service provider to make a verbal report to thePrincipal or designee on the same day that s/he witnesses or becomes aware ofan act of HIB. Within two school days following the verbal report, the individual isrequired to submit a written report, to the School Anti-Bullying Specialist (SABS).Students, parents and visitors are encouraged to report alleged violations of thePolicy to the Principal on the same day s/he witnessed or becomes aware of anact of HIB. Students, parents, and visitors may report an act of harassment,intimidation, or bullying anonymously.A district HIB Reporting Form can be found at www.tenafly.k12.nj.us , on the HighSchool page of the district website, and in the THS Principal’s Office orAttendance Office.District HIB Forms* Please see district or THS homepage for actual HIB Reporting Form *

Timeline for ReportingSchool Day 1Verbal report made to the Principal or designee on the sameday of any learned or witnessed incidence of HIBSchool Day 2Principal informs parent/guardian; may discuss availableservicesSchool Day 3Written report of HIB submitted to PrincipalSABS informs DABC of cases demonstrating potential HIBoutcomesDABC informs SuperintendentSchool Day 13Completion of investigation – No later than 10 school daysfrom receipt of written reportPrincipal contacts parent/guardian to inform of outcome ofinitial investigation with results to be reviewed bySuperintendent and BOE, yielding possible additionalconsequencesSchool Day 15Written report by SABS submitted to Superintendent – Nolater than 2 school days from completion of investigation

Next BOE MtgSuperintendent reports results to Board of Education by nextBOE Meeting following receipt of completed writteninvestigationWithin 5 DaysDistrict provides information in writing to parent/guardianwithin 5 school days after BOE receives reportBoard HearingParent may request confidential hearing which must be heldwithin 10 calendar days of requestBoard ResponseBOE must issue decision in writing to affirm, reject or modifythe Superintendent’s decision at next meeting followingreceipt of reportBOE decision may be appealed to Commissioner within 90calendar daysCivil RightsParent may file Civil Rights complaint with NJ Division on CivilRights within 180 calendar days of incident if HIB is based on aprotected characteristic under state or federal lawECS Investigation Executive County Superintendent shall investigate a complaintof a violation by a school district when the complaint is notadequately addressed on the local level