Anti-Bullying Parent Information Night Given By: Noelle Fenimore Anti-Bullying Specialist Franklin Avenue Middle School December 5, 7pm

The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (ABR) Definition of HIB Reporting & Investigation Timeline Staff Roles Character Education: Steps to Keep a Bully-Free School Climate © New Jersey State Bar Foundation, 2011

ABR Definition of Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB) HIB: is any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or series of incidents, that …

Meets all 3 of these criteria… o Is reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived characteristic, 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 distinguishing characteristic o Takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or off school grounds as provided for in section 16 of P.L. 2010, c122 o Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students, and that:

…and 1 of these criteria o A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property. o Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or o Creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.

Differences between Conflict and HIB Conflict  “Mutually” competitive or opposing action or engagement.  Includes disagreements, arguments and fights.  A normal part of growing up and of life. HIB  HIB is one-sided.  One or more students are victims of one or more person’s aggression, as it applies to the HIB definition under the ABR.  The intent is to physically or emotionally hurt someone.

Reporting Timelines  Incidents of bullying must be reported to the principal on the same day as the incident.  A written account of the incident must be provided to the principal within 2 days.  Principal must inform parents of all students involved and discuss availability of counseling and intervention. © New Jersey State Bar Foundation, 2011

Investigation  Principal must open investigation of incident within one school day.  Investigation, conducted by ABS, must be concluded within 10 days.  Superintendent must receive investigation report within two days of completion.  School Board must receive the report at the next scheduled Board of Education meeting. © New Jersey State Bar Foundation, 2011

Investigation Cont’d…  Parents must receive the investigation report within five days after the school board has opportunity to review.  Parent/guardian may request board hearing; held within 10 days of request during an executive session. © New Jersey State Bar Foundation, 2011

Superintendent/Board Decision  Board may hear from school anti-bullying specialist regarding the incident, discipline, services, and programs to reduce incidents.  Board issues a written decision affirming, rejecting, or modifying the Superintendent’s decision at the next meeting following receipt of report.

District HIB Grades  Twice annually, school districts will be required to submit reports on HIB to the public and the Dept. of Education. The department will use the data to assign a grade to schools and to districts based on number of HIB investigations and the status of them.  Grades are to be posted on the homepage of the school website.

Harrassment, Intimidation & Bullying School District Training  School districts annually establish and implement programs and approaches designed to create school-wide conditions to prevent and address HIB.  School district HIB training for employees and volunteers includes preventing bullying of protected categories and other characteristics.  Full, part-time staff, volunteers, contracted service providers, any employee with student contact. © New Jersey State Bar Foundation, 2011

Staff Roles  Anti-bullying Specialist: The law specifies that the principal must appoint the currently employed guidance counselor, school psychologist or another similarly trained individual to fill this role. Every school must post contact information for its anti-bullying specialist on its homepage.  Anti-bullying Coordinator: At the district level the Superintendent must appoint a district anti- bullying coordinator. © New Jersey State Bar Foundation, 2011

On Your School’s Homepage  Anti-Bullying Tab Contact Info of ABC & ABS Reporting Forms & Timeline Legislation documents Explanative PPTs Web Resources

Snapshot of Homepage

CHARACTER EDUCATION Monthly Lessons & Character Building Programs Building the Culture of Our School Community & Bullying Prevention

Character Education by Topic Monthly Guidance Lesson Themes September:Responsibility October: Respect November: Self-Discipline December: Empathy January: Tolerance February: Cyber-Bullying March: Stress Management April: Courage May: Conflict Resolution June: Knowing Yourself

Character Education Programs  Camfel Assembly (Self-Control) - September  Week of Respect – October 3-7 th  Rachel’s Challenge – October  Heroes & Cool Kids – December/February/April  Living Lessons – April  As well as other assemblies sponsored by the PTA throughout the year.

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP)  Supported by 35 years of research:  Goals of the program: Reduce existing bullying problems among students Prevent the development of new bullying problems Achieve better peer relations at school  Whole-school systems-change program

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) cont.

What Students Need to Know to Feel Safe Balancing the Power!  Bullying may occur in many parts of life  Bullying will not be tolerated  Students have the tools to deal with conflict  It is safe to tell an adult  We will protect the right of every child to feel safe and comfortable  Students have a responsibility for the school climate © New Jersey State Bar Foundation, 2011

STEPS to a BULLY-FREE ZONE

 Say something like, “Stop ______,” in an assertive way  Assertive means: Speaking in a strong, clear voice Eye contact Stand tall How to RESPOND! 1. Speak Up

 If speaking up doesn’t work, walk away  Do something you enjoy, or talk to a friend you trust  Positive self-talk 2. Walk Away

 There’s strength in numbers  Be a brave bystander: speak up for those around you 3. Stick Together

 If the problem continues, find an adult and ask for help 4. Tell an Adult

STEPS to a BULLY-FREE ZONE Please remember: If nothing changes, tell someone else! And keep telling until something is done about it … If you are involved in a PHYSICAL confrontation, an adult needs to be told immediately for everyone’s safety.

How Parents Can Help  Always talk to your child about their day.  Talk to your child about the characteristics of a bully  Encourage kindness to all  Role-play to give your child appropriate verbal responses if a child is unkind  Parent Climate Survey coming soon! © New Jersey State Bar Foundation, 2011

Thank you for attending our Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights (ABR) Parent Training