The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Presentation to School Committee December 20, 2010

The Plan Intended to serve as a blueprint for enhancing the District’s capacity to prevent and respond to issues of bullying and cyber-bullying. As required by M.G.L. (c. 71 §. 370) Development of Plan:  Consultation with Tasks Force  Public comment period  Informational meeting  Online survey School Committee for approval

Assessment of Plan Continuously assess the adequacy of our existing programs:  Review our current policies and procedures  Analyze the available data on bullying and behavioral incidents  Assess the available resources including curricula, training programs, and behavioral health services Periodic needs assessment:  Review our current policies and procedures  Surveying students, staff, parents, and guardians on school climate and school safety issues.  Collect and analyze building- specific data on the prevalence and characteristics of bullying.  Formal review and presentation to School Committee on an annual basis

Contents I. LEADERSHIP II. TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT III. ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES IV. ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES V. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING AND RESPONDING TO BULLYING AND RETALIATION VI. COLLABORATION WITH FAMILIES VII. PROHIBITION AGAINST BULLYING AND RETALIATION VIII. DEFINITIONS IX. RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER LAWS X. APPENDIX OF RESOURCES

Leadership  Priority Statement (See policy 6.15, Anti-bullying Policy)  Public Involvement in the Development of the Plan  Task Force  Safety Committee  Public Presentation  Online survey  Assessing Needs and Resources  Planning and Oversight

Training and Professional Development Annual Staff Training on the Plan Ongoing Professional Development Professional Development offerings in the district:  Second Step Violence Prevention Curriculum  Steps to Respect Bullying Prevention Program  MA Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) Trainings  Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Trainings Annual written notice of the Plan to staff

Access to Resources and Services School Psychologists Guidance Counselors School District and Administrators Library of Resources (including publications, CDs, DVD’s, etc.) Coaches Adjustment Counselors School Nurses Health/Wellness teachers School Resource Officers Behavior Specialists Speech/Language Pathologists Occupational Therapists Special Education ELL Support Child Study Teams Crisis Response Teams Social Skills Groups Transitional meetings for students Behavior Intervention Plans Functional Behavioral Assessments Community-based counseling programs After-school activities & programs IEP Team considerations (if disability that affects social skills development)

Academic and Non-Academic Activities Specific Bullying Prevention Approaches  Research-based curriculum General Teaching Approaches  Establishing a safe and supportive school environment

Academic and Non-Academic Activities Instructional and Curriculum Activities  Counseling staff  MARC  Elem Curriculum  Internet Safety Plan  Special Education Services and Supports

Academic and Non-Academic Activities Institutional Prevention  Locations of classrooms  Security cameras  Bus cameras  Hallway supervision  Cafeteria seating  Recess supervision  Bathroom monitoring  Programs which support Positive School Culture Staffing Support  Administration  Counselors  Child Study Teams  School Placement  SROs

Polices and Procedures See policy 6.15, Anti-bullying Policy Incident Report Form (not requirement for reporting) Can be found:  Handbook  Main office  Counselor’s office  Nurse’s office  Website Reporting by staff  Immediately upon awareness Reporting by others  May be anonymous (cannot take disciplinary action)  May request assistance completing report

Responding to Report of Bullying or Retaliation Take necessary safety precautions (to protect against future incidents) Obligation to notify others (parents of target and aggressor) Notice to law enforcement (if warranted)  MOU (Plymouth Public Schools and Police Dept.)

Responding to Report of Bullying or Retaliation Investigation  interview students, staff, witnesses, parents or guardians, and others as necessary Determinations  The principal or designee will: determine what remedial action is required, if any, an determine what responsive actions and/or disciplinary action is necessary Reponses to bullying  Teaching of appropriate behavior  Disciplinary action (handbook)  Promoting appropriate safety of the environments

Collaboration with Families Parent Education and Resources  Programs will be offered in collaboration with: Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) Plymouth County District Attorney's Office Plymouth Family Network Parent Teacher Association Parent Teacher Organization Plymouth Youth Development Collaborative School Council School Health Advisory Council Special Education Parent Advisory Council Each year the Plymouth Public School will inform families about the anti-bullying curricula that are being used Notice of Acceptable Use Policy Readily available in Student Handbook and Website