PTO – Principal’s Coffee

WHS - Core Values Engagement Integrity Resilience Responsibility

How does the new Bullying Law affect us? Definitions We are mandated reporters. What constitutes Bullying and how is it different from other behaviors? What we have in place for students What are our next steps for students/faculty/staff? What is your role?

Bullying “Bullying” the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at a target that: i. causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property; ii. places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or of damage to his property; iii. creates a hostile environment at school for the target; iv. infringes on the rights of the target at school; Or v. materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Cyberbulling: Bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying shall also include the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of the definition of bullying. The distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that maybe accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (i) to (v) inclusive, of the definition of bullying.

Retaliation Any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment by a current student or former student directed against a person in response to an action that person has taken or knowledge that the person has.

Prohibition of Bullying, Cyberbullying and Retaliation Acts of bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation are prohibited: on school grounds, property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school sponsored or school -related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop ,on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by a school district or school, or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by a school district or school and at a location, activity, function or program that is not school -related, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by a school district or school, if the bullying creates a hostile environment at school for the target, infringes on their rights at school or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Nothing contained herein shall require schools to staff any non-school related activities, functions, or programs. Agenda

Mandated Reporting All school personnel are mandated reporters to the police. This new law requires that once we determine bullying to have taken place, we must report it to the police department. Only the Principal & Asst. Principal will be responsible for conducting an investigation regarding bullying. Agenda

Bullying vs. Other Behaviors - Bullying is defined as a repeated offense. Unless we have documentation of prior similar behavior, it does not fall under the category of bullying. - Formspring example & Weston’s Truly Please see the WHS handbook, pgs 35-39 for more clarification on definitions and disciplinary actions. Agenda

Working with our Students Cyberbulling Clip Is this who YOU want to be? The Follower? The Target? The Silent Observer? The Ringleader?

What did they notice? The people doing the bullying used to be his friends. Initiated by a girl, but both genders were involved. On the bus scene, his guy friend didn’t actively participate in calling him a “loser” but he didn’t defend or report the abuse either. what does this say about our culture of “don’t be a snitch” ? Most of it took place outside of school, but it still created a hostile environment in school. Agenda

Next Steps. . . . Student Leadership Conference Plan of Action with Student Council & School Council Bullying Referral Form Social Norms Campaign – “Who do you want to be?” & School community reflection on Core Values Anti-Bullying Task Force District Bullying Prevention Plan (in progress) Agenda

Don’t Remain Silent – We are PARTNERS in this! Your Role? Be aware of what your children are doing while using social media Communicate with your children regarding these issues Voice concerns/questions to Anthony, Erica or Guidance Share information with Anthony, Erica or Guidance Don’t Remain Silent – We are PARTNERS in this!

Who do we CHOOSE to be? Weston High School is a community of adults and students who engage in school and beyond, act with integrity, practice resilience, and behave responsibly.