Student Harassment and/or Bullying

On Monday morning I will be addressing the entire student body via Skype regarding the seriousness of harassing or bullying another student. Bullying is an issue that is prevalent across our country. It is a concern of educational personnel, parents, students, and the community. I plan to share our district's new policy "Policy 106-21 Student Harassment" and impress upon the students that student harassment is something that will not be taken lightly. I want them to especially understand that a form of bullying can simply be just words and comments that are directed to a particular student repeatedly, day after day. Bullying isn't just confined to the physical contact of hitting another student.

I am also requesting the assistance of parents to reiterate to your child the meaning of student harassment and bullying. It is important that your child understands what constitutes student harassment according to our district's policy. It is as equally important that the children know how to respond if they are presented with this type of conduct. Middle school students are sometimes reluctant to report student harassment because it may be considered tattling, snitching, or not cool in their eyes. Please share with them that nearest adult must be notified. If they don't receive a response, the next step is to notify administration. The adults cannot assist if we are not aware of the problems.

I will be working with Ms. Queeney, the school guidance counselor, to gather information relating to the topic of bullying to share with teachers, parents, and students. The information will be e-mailed to parents as well as posted on this blog.

Below is a section of the school district's policy on student harassment that will be shared with the students:

The term “harassment” as used in this policy means a continuous pattern of intentional behavior that takes place on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function including, but not limited to, written, electronic, verbal, or physical acts that are reasonably perceived as being motivated by any characteristic of a student, or by the association of a student with an individual who has a particular characteristic, if the characteristic falls into one of the categories of personal characteristics as indicated in the first paragraph. To constitute harassment a pattern may do any of the following.


• Place a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property.

• Have the effect of substantially interfering with the educational performance, opportunities, or benefits of a student.

• Have the effect of substantially disrupting or interfering with the orderly operation of the school.

• Have the effect of creating a hostile environment in the school, on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored function.

• Have the effect of being sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.

Please know that the safety of your child is of the utmost importance to us. The staff and I take this responsibility seriously and would like to thank you for entrusting the care of your children to us.

If you have any additional comments or questions, please don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail. I realize that many individuals prefer not to post their comments on a blog, and I respect that decision.

Have a Happy Easter!