Dignity For All Students Act (DASA) New York State Education Law Article 2 effective July 1, 2012

No student shall be subjected to harassment, discrimination, or bullying

Someone who intimidates, hurts, or persecutes another person- often one smaller, weaker, or with a defining difference than the bully- on a habitual or regular basis. Examples: A bully makes others fear for their physical safety through violent acts, threats, abuse or intimidation. This includes physical injury, mental or emotional intimidation, and causing one to feel unsafe in their environment (school). WHAT IS BULLYING?

The act of disturbing, pestering, bothering, tormenting or troubling, repeatedly or continually, another person. Examples: Someone made to feel uncomfortable, insulted, hurt, or made fun of, on a regular basis or recurring incidents. Calling someone names when you pass them in the hall; having ongoing “jokes” at someone else’s expense; hurting feelings; insulting or putting down someone; generally making someone feel unsafe or unhappy in their environment, such as school or work. WHAT IS HARASSMENT?

Exhibiting or demonstrating a dislike, punishment, or dismay for another person based on their real or perceived religion, race, sex, age, appearance, or any other identified or believed factor. Examples: Historically- Not allowing someone of a certain race, orientation, or color to vote, hold jobs, marry, work or attend something because of their race, color, or orientation ONLY. In school this might be something like not allowing a student to sit somewhere due to their background or religion, or ignoring a peer because they have a different skin color. WHAT IS DISCRIMINATION?

New Legislation 2013 One of the most important changes comes in the addition of CYBERBULLYING to the definition of harassment or bullying. Cyberbullying : harassment or bullying occurring through any form of electronic communication. That means: Text messages, picture/video messages, blogs, Facebook/ Myspace/ Twitter/ Formspring pages, comments, postings, etc; phone calls; YouTube; Xbox/PS3 chat rooms, gaming forums, etc; or any other type of computer or cellular device which can be used to tease, bully, threaten, scare, insult or intimidate another student. If it effects someone in school, their school performance, their grades, their ability to concentrate in class, or their general education, it can and will be addressed by the school. It does not matter if it happened on the weekend, at night, over a vacation, outside of school, etc.

It is because many students all over the country have suffered difficulty or problems in school- and out of school- because of it. It means students and parents should be able to get up every day and KNOW that child is safe and happy in their school. No one should EVER fear for their physical safety or be afraid to come to school. And no one should EVER have to face threats or intimidation/abuse based on their race, color, weight, origin (where you are from), ethnic group, religion or religious practices, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender, or sex. Why all the concern over BULLYING?

Code of Conduct The new amendment (rule) to 100.2(l): – prohibiting discrimination and harassment against any student on school property or at a school function, that creates a hostile/dangerous environment by conduct, with or without physical contact and/or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse – Rules and guidelines for responding to such acts of discrimination or harassment against students – a bill of rights and responsibilities of students which focuses upon positive student behavior and a safe and supportive school climate, which shall be written in plain-language, publicized and explained in an age- appropriate manner to all students on an annual basis

– Raise awareness and sensitivity to potential acts and foster an understanding of the Code of Conduct. – Seneca creates a safe learning environment through: *COVEY ACTIVITIES *COMMUNITY OUTREACH PRESENTATIONS AND ASSEMBLIES

There are many different people you may speak with in the school about any concerns. Some of them include: Mrs. Salvia, Principal; Ms.Faller Asst. Principal; Guidance Counselors: Mr. Sheehan (8 th ) Mrs. Proctor (6 th ) School Social Worker: Mrs. Sansone School Psychologist: Mrs. Tloczkowski Counselor: Ms. Prusinski ANY TEACHER OR STAFF MEMBER YOU TRUST! WHO CAN I TALK TO?