An Overview

Defining HIB NJ State Law defines Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) as…  any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that:  Is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by an 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;  Takes place on school property, at any school sponsored function, or on a school bus; or off school grounds, as provided for in N.J.S.A. 18A:  Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students;

Defining HIB AND THAT …  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 the student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property; or  Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or  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.

HIB vs. Conflict CONFLICTHIB  Similar Degrees of Power  Involves mutual disagreements, arguments and fights  Is reciprocal; all parties participate in conflict  Normal part of growing up and of life  Can be fairly resolved by compromise or negotiation  Power Imbalance  One or more students are victims of one or more person’s aggression, needs, or interest  Is one-sided; one party instigates.  The intent is to physically or emotionally hurt someone  A fair resolution involves a change in behavior of the person doing the “bullying”

Reporting HIB  School Staff  Students  Parents  Other

Investigating HIB  Report to Principal (verbal / written)  Investigation Initiated by Anti-Bullying Specialist  Interviews / Statements by witnesses  Concluded within 10 school days

School Climate Team (School Safety Team)  To develop, foster, and maintain a positive school climate  Identify and address patterns of harassment, intimidation, or bullying  Members include: Principal or his or her designee Teacher(s) Anti-Bullying Specialist Parent Other members as determined by principal

School Climate Team (School Safety Team)  Receive records of all complaints of HIB  Receive copies of all reports prepared after an investigation of an HIB incident  Identify and address patterns of HIB  Review and strengthen school climate and policies in order to prevent HIB of students  Educate the community, including students, teachers, administrative staff and parents  Participate in the training required under the ABR  Participate in professional development opportunities that may address effective climate programs  Meeting twice each school year

AH School Climate Team Members ( )  Mary Ellen DiCataldo, Anti-Bullying Specialist  Josephine Noone, Principal  Donna Sjovall, School Psychologist  Lara Emanuele, Helping Teacher / 3 rd Grade Teacher  Elizabeth Ferraiolo, Helping Teacher / Basic Skills  Betsy Rescorla, Special Education Teacher  Cynthia Moline, Parent