Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Kings Road School
Guidebook
For
Parents and Students 2016-2017
Table of Contents
Our School Vision
Directory of Faculty and Staff
Important Contact Information
Arrival and Dismissal * School hours
* Drop-off/Pick-up
* Crossing guards
* parking
Parking Lot/Transportation
Single-Session Days
Absence
Tardiness
Emergency Closing * School closing
* delayed opening
* Early dismissal
Visiting KRS
Lunch and Recess
Playground Safety
Dress Code
Homework
Helpful Websites
School Code of Conduct/School Rules
Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Board of Education Policies Information on the Anti-Bullying Law is on the Madison School District Website.
*Additional policies can be found on the Madison School District website under the
Board of Education tab.
Our School Vision
Our vision at Kings Road School is to provide an inclusive and caring
learning community where individuals are encouraged to express their
intellectual curiosity and creative thinking. Children are taught to be
independent citizens who accept responsibility for their learning and
actions, in school and in society. In partnership with home and
community we work toward developing respect and tolerance for all.
Directory of Faculty and Staff Spanish Teacher/ESL (Grades 3-5)
Mrs. Kathleen Koop – Principal
Mrs. Ann Guzewicz – Secretary
Mrs. Gerri Moran – School Nurse
Mr. Andrew Brandon – District Anti-Bullying
Specialist
Erica Tavaglione – Guidance
Counselor/Elementary Anti-Bullying Specialist
Kindergarten
Mrs. Sally Lembo
Kindergarten Wraparound
Mrs. Kim Rusert
Mrs. Karen Klein
First Grade
Mrs. Jessica Yurecko
Mrs. Victoria Koehler
Miss Meghan Manaut/Mrs. Danielle Scocca
Second Grade
Mrs. Katherine Goodbread
Mrs. Marie Pehowic
Miss Alyssa Fine
Third Grade
Mrs. Gina Sloginski
Mrs. Sara Kolesar
Fourth Grade
Mr. Anthony Finn
Mrs. Laurie Schaefer
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Julia Nicolette
Mrs. Rebecca Sullivan
Mrs. Shelly Emann
Mrs. Diana Sandoval
Special Education Teachers
Mrs. Erin Logue Mrs. Kelly Hoekstra
Mrs. Lisa Anastasi Miss Samantha Lopez
Mrs. Susan Light Mrs. Elizabeth Santoro
Mr. Michael Bruner
Reading Specialist – Mrs. Joanne Sims
Basic Skills
Mrs. Beverly DeFabis
Child Study Team
Mrs. Fawn McCauley
Physical Education
Mr. Angelo Abbondandolo
Computers
Mrs. Diane Dunay
Library
Mrs. Diane Dunay
Art
Mr. Michael Watson
Music
Mr. Daniel Malloy
Mrs. Laurie Quinlin
Mr. Matthew Rossi
Miss Sarah Wlazlowski
Custodians
Mr. Joe Sakala
Mrs. Bertha Matthews
Mr. Troy Johnson
Instructional Assistants
Mrs. Debbie Mills Speech Therapist
Mrs. Madeline Kelleher Mrs. Jessica Burdette
Mrs. Donna Tsitoulas
Ms. Carlene Fook-Kinsale Mrs. Janine Heyrich
Mrs. Lisa Price Mrs. Roxanne Rudy
Mrs. Terri Gallagher Mrs. Ellen McMahon
Occupational Therapist Mrs. Theresa Feron
Faculty and staff may be contacted by calling the school office or via email (teacher’s last name, first initial
@madsionnjps.org) Example: [email protected]
Important Contact Information
Kings Road School
Office
Phone 973 – 593 - 3178
Fax 973 – 966 – 1927
Mailing Address
Kings Road School
215 Kings Road
Madison, NJ 07940
Madison Board of Education
Phone 973-593-3100
Mailing Address
Woodland Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Michael Rossi
973-593-3112
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Mrs. Diane Schulthes
973 – 593- 3111
Director of Special Services
Mr. Andrew Brandon
973 – 593 – 3153
District Anti-Bullying Specialist
Mr. Andrew Brandon
973 – 593 – 3153
Elementary Anti-Bullying Specialist Miss Erica Tavaglione 973-593-3178
District Website www.madisonpublicschools.org
Arrival and Dismissal
Our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. Please do not drop your child off before 8:20 a.m.
as there is no supervision available prior to that time.
Students should line up with their classmates at the designated locations on the blacktop
to wait for the bell to ring. Students should enter the school building through the primary
and secondary doors located off the blacktop. Kindergarteners enter through the front
entrance.
Classes begin promptly at 8:40 a.m. Please make every effort to have your child at
school on time.
If your child does arrive late or must leave early, please sign him/her in or out in the
school office.
Dismissal is at 3:15 p.m. Please be prompt in picking up your child. No child should be
playing on school property after school hours unless under the supervision of a
parent/guardian.
Students in grades 4 – 5 may ride bicycles to school. Bicycles must be walked on school
grounds and locked in one of the bicycle racks. Students must wear helmets.
For students who walk to school, crossing guards will assist them between 8:00 - 8:45
a.m. and 3:00 -3:45 p.m. Crossing guards are posted at the following intersections:
o Kings Rd and Samson Ave
o Kings Rd and Seaman St
o Kings Rd at the parking lot
entrance (also between 11:30
a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
o Kings Road and Bruns
o Woodland Rd and Union Hill
Rd.
On days of rainy or inclement weather, students are to go to their class’s assigned
location within the school and wait for the bell to ring.
Kindergarten Hours
A.M. session 8:30 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. P.M. session 12:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures
Do not park your car in front of the school during drop-off and pick-up times.
This is very important because a parked car will delay the entire line of cars.
At dismissal, please do not get out of your vehicle to locate your child. If you
leave your car unattended, it will delay the line.
Turn on your hazards while waiting in the pick-up line during dismissal.
Please communicate the arrival and dismissal procedures to any person transporting
your child.
Please be patient and wait your turn in the morning drop-off line! It really
does flow more smoothly and safely when arriving cars just wait for those
leaving to move along before moving forward to drop off children. Cars that
try to cut-in as spaces ahead open up (or appear to) only tie up the line
and create unsafe situations.
At drop-off time, please have your child leave your vehicle as quickly as possible.
Place your child’s backpack and school items with your child or within easy reach, so
everything can be taken out quickly.
Vehicles dropping off children, must pull up to the drop off zone between
the orange cones and the right (western) edge of school grounds.
Please wait patiently as the children exit the cars ahead of you and do not
pass cars ahead of you.
For safety reasons, dropping off across the street from the school is
discouraged.
Please use crosswalks and obey the direction of the crossing guard.
Parking at Kings Road School
The KRS Parking lot is reserved for faculty and staff ONLY.
There are designated spaces for visitors immediately to your right after you enter the
school parking lot.
Parents should drop off their students at the entrance to the parking lot. Students must
walk on the sidewalk.
Please obey all posted street signs and markings. On the south side of Kings Road, on
either side of the school driveway, there is a Drop-Off/Pick-up Zone only. You may not
leave your car unattended during commute hours (7:30-9:30 a.m. and 2:30-
4:30p.m.).
There is no parking permitted on the north side of Kings Road between Bruns Street and
Seaman Street. There is parking available on Bruns Street, Seaman Street, and
Kensington Road, as well as on both sides of Kings Road east of Seaman Street.
Single Session Days
On single session days, the school day for grades 1-5 is as follows:
8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Kindergarten
A.M. session 8:30 – 10:30
P.M. session 10:45 – 12:45
Absences
Please notify the school each day that your child is absent.
Phone the Absentee Hotline at 973 593-3178 and press prompt number 1 between 6:30
a.m. and 8:30 a.m. leave a message with the following information:
o Your child’s name
o Your child’s teacher
o The reason for your child’s absence
o If your child has a fever
To speak to the nurse directly, please call 973 593-3178 and press prompt number 3.
When your child returns to school, please send in a note to your child’s teacher stating
the reason for the absence.
Tardiness
It is very important that your child arrive to school on time. For unexcused tardiness, the student
will receive a warning for the first time and for any other time after that, the student will stay in
for recess as a consequence.
Emergency Closings
Inclement weather or other situations may result in cancellation of school, delayed opening or
early dismissal.
School Cancellation
Information regarding school cancellations will be communicated via:
Madison School District homepage: www.madisonpublicschools.org
Honeywell Instant Alert System – Information is on the next page.
HHoonneeyywweellll IInnssttaanntt AAlleerrtt®® ffoorr SScchhoooollss PPaarreenntt UUsseerr IInntteerrffaaccee Website URL: https://instantalert.honeywell.com
Minimum Requirements
Register and create your account 1. Go to the Honeywell Instant Alert for Schools website listed above. 2. If you are not a staff member in the school, click on ‘Parent’ in the New User box. 3. If you are a staff member in the school, use the user name and password given to you by the school. 4. Complete the student information form. Click ‘Submit.’ 5. Complete the corresponding screen. Click ‘Submit.’ 6. After receiving the Confirmation message, click ‘Proceed’ to get started with Instant Alert. 7. Note: Remember your Login Name and Password so you may use it to update your profile. View and check details about yourself and your family members 1. Upon successful login, click on ‘My Family.’ 2. Click on a parent name to view and edit parent details. 3. Click on a student name to view details about your children enrolled in this school. Configure alert settings for yourself 1. Click on ‘Alert Setup.’ 2. Click on the check boxes to select which alert type you would like to have sent to which device. Click
on ‘Save’ when complete. 3. If you would like to add another contact device, select the device type and enter the device details.
Select the person to whom the device belongs and click on ‘Add.’ 4. For e-mail, text messaging and pagers you may send yourself a test message. Click on ‘Send Test
Message’ to send yourself a message.
Additional Functions
View History of Alerts Click on ‘Alert History’ to view Alerts that have been sent to you. Use the calendar icons and ‘Alert Type’ list to filter the Alerts. Identify key contacts for your children 1. Click on ‘Other Contacts.’ 2. Click on ‘Add New Contact’ and complete the form. 3. Click on the ‘Pick Up Rights’ check box if you wish to allow this person the right to pick up your child
from school. This person’s name will appear on a report for the school. 4. Click on ‘Save’ when complete. 5. If you would like this person to receive Alerts from the school, return to the ‘Alert Setup’ page to
configure this person’s alert settings.
For Assistance: https://instantalert.honeywell.com
Delayed Openings
In case of a delayed opening, there will be a two-hour delay. The following school hours are in
effect:
Grades 1-5
Arrival 10:30 a.m.
Dismissal 3:15 p.m.
Kindergarten
A.M session 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
P.M. session 1:25 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Early Dismissal In case of an early dismissal, students will be dismissed at 12:45p.m. Parents
will be contacted by school representatives.
Visiting Kings Road School
In our commitment to ensure the safety of all students and faculty and to maximize
instructional time, it is crucial that all visitors to the school sign in and wear a visitor’s
badge.
If you are visiting KRS to volunteer or speak with your child’s teacher, please do the
following:
o Ring the front doorbell
o Sign in at the office
o Obtain and wear a visitor’s badge
o Sign out when you leave
Instructional time is important. Please do not visit your child’s classroom throughout the
day unless you have an appointment with the teacher. Thank you for your cooperation in
this matter!
Lunch and Recess
Students in grades 1 – 3 have recess from 11:25 – 11:50 a.m. They eat from 11:50 a.m. –
12:15 p.m.
Students in grades 4 – 5 have recess from 12:00 – 12:25 p.m. They eat from 12:25 –
12:50 p.m.
Students may bring their own lunch or they may purchase a school lunch, as well as milk
and snacks.
Students have been issued a PIN number for food services so that they may access their
account to purchase lunch. Money may be placed in the account periodically so that
children do not have to carry money at school.
Every effort is made to let the children have an outside recess. Please make sure that your
child is dressed appropriately. Students may play in the snow only if they have snow
pants and boots. Gloves and hats are important in cold weather. Students will not go
outside for recess on rainy days.
For inside recess, Grades 1-3 will have recess in the classroom under the supervision of
their teacher from 11:25- 11:45 and will eat from 11:50 – 12:15 p.m. in the lunchroom.
Grades 4-5 will have recess in the classroom under the supervision of their teachers from
12:00-12:20 p.m. and will eat from 12:20-12:50 p.m.
Cafeteria rules:
o Stay in your seat.
o Wait to be called to buy lunch and/or milk and snacks.
o Use “indoor voices.”
o Eat your lunch.
o Clean up after yourself.
o Be respectful.
o Invite others to join you.
Playground Safety
In order to provide a safe and fun area to play, the following safety rules should be followed:
Students are not allowed to bring personal sports equipment or toys from home.
Students are not permitted to go past the playground to retrieve balls.
No picking up or throwing rocks, sticks, leaves, etc.
No fighting or inappropriate language
No climbing on walls
Do not play on or near trailer
Do not eat on the playground
Be kind
Include others in your game; don’t say, “You can’t play.”
No bullying!
Speak out against bullying
Exhibit good sportsmanship
Dress Code
Board of Education Policy No. 5511 on proper dress and grooming states:
“Students are expected to dress in a modest manner that is appropriate for school and
school-sponsored events and in accordance with standards of good taste. Beach and
casual attire such as short shorts, halter-top, tube-tops, low-cut tops and bare midriffs
are examples of in appropriate dress for school. Sleeveless tops, including “muscle
shirts” are prohibited for boys. Underwear that is visible including bra straps is always
inappropriate. Culottes and shorts are acceptable if they are of appropriate length. Mini-
skirts and dresses must not be extreme. State law requires that shoes must be worn at all
times. Any attire that references alcohol, drugs, or violence in any manner, or which
contains phrases and/or symbols capable of misinterpretation or multiple interpretations,
is never permitted to be worn, Students wearing such attire will be asked to leave the
school building until they are appropriately attired and will be subject to disciplinary
action.”
Homework
Homework is assigned adhering to the guidelines set by the Madison School District.
Homework should reinforce the skills taught during the school day and enhance learning with
educational activities such as reading, writing, creative projects, research, etc.
District Homework Guidelines
Grade
K No assigned written homework. Students may be asked to practice skills learned in
class and/or to collect materials to bring into class.
1 No more than 15 minutes per day – not including reading.
2 10-20 minutes per day – not including reading.
3 30-40 minutes per day – not including reading. Turned in and/or recorded.
4-5 45-60 minutes per day – not including reading. “0” for mission homework.
Percentage of completed homework is calculated into grade as quiz.
If a student is absent for one or two days, he/she should try to secure assignments from
classmates or, after returning to school, from the teachers. If a student is absent for more than
two days, parents/students may contact the school to request homework assignments. Such
assignments will be provided only for those students who are absent because of illness or family
emergency. Parents may pick up work at 3:15 on the school counter. No provision is made for
students who are taking unauthorized vacations. Students may be given books to be read as “free
reading” during their unexcused absences during family vacations.
Homework Tips for Parents:
1. Show an interest in your child's homework assignments. Ask about the subjects and the
work to be done. Be aware of what your child is learning.
2. Be a role model -- take the opportunity to read a book or newspaper while your child
studies. Reading together helps create a learning atmosphere.
3. Teach your child how to be organized. Be sure he or she keeps a homework assignment
book.
4. Eliminate as many distractions as possible. Turn off the T.V or radio. Encourage younger
children to read/play quietly during homework time.
5. Establish a specific time and place to do homework. Help your child develop a schedule
for doing homework
6. Meet with your child's teacher to discuss the nature of the approach to reading, spelling
and other topics that your child is being taught.
7. Praise your child for successfully completing homework.
Homework Tips for Students
1. Try to do your homework at the same time everyday – right after school, just before
dinner, or right after dinner. Try not to leave homework until just before you go to bed.
2. Do your homework in a place that makes studying easy. This place should be free from
distractions. Do your homework in the same place every day.
3. Organize and plan your time for long-term projects. Use a calendar to mark due dates and
work a little bit each day on a long-term project.
4. Take a short break if you are having trouble keeping your mind on an assignment.
5. If homework gets too hard, ask for help. Ask a parent, an older sibling, your babysitter,
etc.
6. Start with homework (subject) you find the most difficult.
7. Remember, homework is assigned to help you practice what you are learning and to help
you learn more.
Helpful Websites
SafeKinds.com Internet Safety
A family guide to making the Internet fun, safe and productive.
http://www.safekids.com/
Great Sites for Kids
An annotated collection compiled, screened and managed by the the American Library
Association, including links for parents and caregivers.
http://www.ala.org/greatsites
NY Times Learning Network
Parent resources include current events conversation starters and a family movie guide. Also
includes news resources for students and teachers.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/index.html
NJ Department of Education Parents Circle
http://www.state.nj.us/njded/parents/index.html
U.S. Department of Education Parents Pages
http://www.ed.gov/parents/landing.jhtml?src=pn
Rose Net
Madison's community website
http://www.rosenet.org
Kings Road School Code of Conduct Adopted by the Class Delegates at the Constitutional Convention - September 4, 2015
● Always Smile ● Be kind—never be a bully ● Say hello, please, and thank you ● Always look to help someone ● Take care of ourselves ● Work hard, follow directions, and try your best ● Treat others the way you want to be treated ● Be a good friend—include others ● Pick up after yourself ● Keep your body to your body ● Raise your hand when you want to talk ● Walk quietly in the hallway ● Listen when others are talking ● Show respect ● Work and play in a safe manner ● Look and listen to the teacher when she is talking ● Wait your turn ● Walk, don’t run ● Think before you speak or act ● Enjoy every day, point out the good in others ● The Golden Rules ● Lend a helping hand ● Use computers correctly ● Be a good sport ● Pay attention ● Don’t procrastinate
POLICY BOARD OF EDUCATION
MADISON District Policy
8461- REPORTING VIOLENCE, VANDALISM, HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION,
BULLYING, ALCOHOL, AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE (M)
Section: Operations
Date Created: August, 2014
Date Edited: August, 2014
The Board of Education shall observe “School Violence Awareness Week” during the week
beginning with the third Monday in October of each year by organizing activities to prevent
school violence. Activities shall include, but are not limited to, age-appropriate opportunities for
pupil discussion on conflict resolution, issues of pupil diversity, and tolerance. The Board shall
invite law enforcement personnel to join members of the teaching staff in the discussions and
provide programs for school employees that are designed to help them recognize warning signs
of school violence and to instruct them on recommended conduct during an incident of school
violence.
Any school employee who observes or has direct knowledge from a participant or victim of an
act of violence or the possession and/or distribution of alcohol or other drugs on school grounds,
and any school employee who reports a pupil for being under the influence of alcohol or other
drugs, according to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-12 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4.3, shall file
a report describing the incident to the school Principal, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46.
The report shall be on a form adopted by the Board to include all of the incident detail and
offender and victim information that are reported on the Electronic Violence and Vandalism
Reporting System (EVVRS).
A report alleging an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall be made in
accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13.1 and Policy 5512.
The Building Principal, for each incident report of violence, vandalism, harassment,
intimidation, bullying, alcohol, or other drug abuse, shall review the incident report for accuracy;
forward a copy of the incident report to the Superintendent; and notify the Superintendent of the
action taken regarding the incident. The Board shall not discharge or subject to any manner of
discrimination any school employee who files a report pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.3.
The majority representative of the school employees’ bargaining units shall have access monthly
to the number and disposition of all reported acts of school violence, vandalism, harassment,
intimidation, or bullying pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. Personally identifying information
may be provided to the majority representative of the school employees’ bargaining units only in
instances when school administrators have reason to believe that the safety of a school staff
member is at risk.
Two times each school year, between September 1 and January 1 and between January 1 and
June 30, at a public hearing held pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46, the Superintendent shall report
to the Board all acts of violence, vandalism, harassment, intimidation, bullying, and incidents of
alcohol and other drug abuse that occurred during the previous reporting period in accordance
with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.3. The report shall include the
number of reports of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, the status of all investigations, the
nature of the bullying based on one of the protected categories identified in section 2 of
P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-14), the names of the investigators, the type and nature of any
discipline imposed on any pupil engaged in harassment, intimidation, or bullying, and any other
measures imposed, training conducted, or programs implemented, to reduce harassment,
intimidation, or bullying. The information shall also be reported once during each reporting
period to the Department of Education. The report must include data broken down by the
enumerated categories as listed in section 2 of P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-14), and data broken
down by each school in the district, in addition to district-wide data. It shall be a violation to
improperly release any confidential information not authorized by Federal or State law for public
release.
The report shall be used to grade each school for the purpose of assessing its effort to implement
policies and programs consistent with the provisions of P.L. 2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-13 et seq.).
The district shall receive a grade determined by averaging the grades of all the schools in the
district. The Commissioner shall promulgate guidelines for a program to grade schools for the
purposes of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. The grade received by a school and the district shall be posted
on the homepage of the school's website. The grade for the district and each school of the
district shall be posted on the homepage of the district's website. A link to the report shall be
available on the district's website. The information shall be posted on the websites within ten
days of the receipt of a grade by the school and district.
Whenever it is alleged a school employee has knowingly falsified the report on violence,
vandalism, harassment, intimidation, or bullying required under N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46, the Board
shall make a determination regarding whether the employee committed the act. The Board shall
provide written notice of the allegations to the employee and the employee shall be entitled to a
hearing before the Board in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.3(g)2. Upon a
determination by the Board that an employee has knowingly falsified the report, the Board may
take appropriate action as outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.3(g)3. Any action taken by the Board
shall be based on its consideration of the nature of the conduct, the circumstances under which it
occurred, and the employee’s prior employment record. Any employee having been found
responsible for the falsification of the report by the Board shall have the right to file a grievance
under their respective bargaining agreements, appeal the Board’s determination to the
Commissioner of Education and subsequently to the State Board of Education, or appeal the
decision to the Superior Court of New Jersey. The availability of appeal options shall be based
upon the action taken by the Board.
A Board of Education shall submit and implement corrective action plans for high incidences of
violence, vandalism, or alcohol or other drug abuse upon notification by the Commissioner of
Education.
The Board shall provide ongoing staff training, in cooperation with the Department of
Education, in fulfilling the reporting requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46.
N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46; 18A:36-5.1
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.2; 6A:16-5.3
Adopted: 26 August 2014
District Policy
5512- HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING (M)
Section: Students
Date Created: August, 2014
Date Edited: August, 2014
Table of Contents
Section Title
A. Policy Statement
B. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Definition
C. Student Expectations
D. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions
E. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reporting Procedure
F. Anti-Bullying Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Specialist, and School Safety Team(s)
G. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Investigation
H. Range of Responses to an Incident of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying
I. Reprisal or Retaliation Prohibited
J. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Action for False Accusation
K. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Publication and Dissemination
L. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Training and Prevention Programs
M. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Reevaluation, Reassessment and Review
N. Reports to Board of Education and New Jersey Department of Education
O. School and District Grading Requirements
P. Reports to Law Enforcement
Q. Collective Bargaining Agreements and Individual Contracts
R. Students with Disabilities
A. Policy Statement
The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student. A
safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic
standards. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is
conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students
in a safe and disciplined environment. Since students learn by example, school administrators,
faculty, staff and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior,
treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation, or
bullying.
For the purposes of this Policy, the term "parent," pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-1.3, means the
natural parent(s) or adoptive parent(s), legal guardian(s), foster parent(s), or parent surrogate(s)
of a student. Where parents are separated or divorced, "parent" means the person or agency
which has legal custody of the student, as well as the natural or adoptive parent(s) of the student,
provided such parental rights have not been terminated by a court of appropriate jurisdiction.
B. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Definition
“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act,
or any electronic communication, as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14, whether it be a single
incident or a series of incidents that:
1. Is reasonably perceived as being motivated by either 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;
2. Takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off
school grounds, as provided for in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15.3;
3. Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of
other students; and that
a. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) 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/her person or damage to
his/her property; or
b. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or
c. 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.
Schools are required to address harassment, intimidation, and bullying occurring off school
grounds, when there is a nexus between the harassment, intimidation, and bullying and the
school (e.g., the harassment, intimidation, or bullying substantially disrupts or interferes with the
orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students).
“Electronic communication” means a communication transmitted by means of an electronic
device, including, but not limited to: a telephone, cellular phone, computer, or pager.
C. Student Expectations
The Board expects students to conduct themselves in keeping with their levels of development,
maturity and demonstrated capabilities with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other
students and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities and the care of
school facilities and equipment consistent with the Code of Student Conduct.
The Board believes that standards for student behavior must be set cooperatively through
interaction among the students, parents, school employees, school administrators, school
volunteers, and community representatives, producing an atmosphere that encourages students to
grow in self-discipline. The development of this atmosphere requires respect for self and others,
as well as for school district and community property on the part of students, staff, and
community members.
Students are expected to behave in a way that creates a supportive learning environment. The
Board believes the best discipline is self-imposed, and it is the responsibility of staff to use
instances of violations of the Code of Student Conduct as opportunities to help students learn to
assume and accept responsibility for their behavior and the consequences of their behavior. Staff
members who interact with students shall apply best practices designed to prevent student
conduct problems and foster students’ abilities to grow in self-discipline.
The Board expects that students will act in accordance with the student behavioral expectations
and standards regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying, including:
1. Student responsibilities (e.g., requirements for students to conform to reasonable standards
of socially accepted behavior; respect the person, property and rights of others; obey constituted
authority; and respond to those who hold that authority);
2. Appropriate recognition for positive reinforcement for good conduct, self-discipline, and
good citizenship;
3. Student rights; and
4. Sanctions and due process for violations of the Code of Student Conduct.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15(a) and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)1, the district has involved a
broad-base of school and community members, including parents, students, instructional staff,
student support services staff, school administrators, and school volunteers, as well as
community organizations, such as faith-based, health and human service, business and law
enforcement, in the development of this Policy. Based on locally determined and accepted core
ethical values adopted by the Board, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1(a)2, the Board must develop
guidelines for student conduct pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1. These guidelines for student
conduct will take into consideration the developmental ages of students, the severity of the
offenses and students’ histories of inappropriate behaviors, and the mission and physical
facilities of the individual school(s) in the district. This Policy requires all students in the district
to adhere to the rules established by the school district and to submit to the remedial and
consequential measures that are appropriately assigned for infractions of these rules.
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1, the Superintendent must annually provide to students and their
parents the rules of the district regarding student conduct. Provisions shall be made for
informing parents whose primary language is other than English.
The district prohibits active or passive support for acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Students are encouraged to support other students who:
1. Walk away from acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying when they see them;
2. Constructively attempt to stop acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying;
3. Provide support to students who have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, or
bullying; and
4. Report acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying to the designated school staff member.
D. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions
Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions – Students
The Board of Education requires its school administrators to implement procedures that ensure
both the appropriate consequences and remedial responses for students who commit one or more
acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, consistent with the Code of Student Conduct. The
following factors, at a minimum, shall be given full consideration by school administrators in the
implementation of appropriate consequences and remedial measures for each act of harassment,
intimidation, or bullying by students. Appropriate consequences and remedial actions are those
that are graded according to the severity of the offense(s), consider the developmental ages of the
student offenders and students’ histories of inappropriate behaviors, per the Code of Student
Conduct and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.
Factors for Determining Consequences – Student Considerations
1. Age, developmental and maturity levels of the parties involved and their relationship to the
school district;
2. Degrees of harm;
3. Surrounding circumstances;
4. Nature and severity of the behavior(s);
5. Incidences of past or continuing patterns of behavior;
6. Relationships between the parties involved; and
7. Context in which the alleged incidents occurred.
Factors for Determining Consequences – School Considerations
1. School culture, climate, and general staff management of the learning environment;
2. Social, emotional, and behavioral supports;
3. Student-staff relationships and staff behavior toward the student;
4. Family, community, and neighborhood situation; and
5. Alignment with Board policy and regulations/procedures.
Factors for Determining Remedial Measures
Personal
1. Life skill deficiencies;
2. Social relationships;
3. Strengths;
4. Talents;
5. Interests;
6. Hobbies;
7. Extra-curricular activities;
8. Classroom participation;
9. Academic performance; and
10. Relationship to students and the school district.
Environmental
1. School culture;
2. School climate;
3. Student-staff relationships and staff behavior toward the student;
4. General staff management of classrooms or other educational environments;
5. Staff ability to prevent and manage difficult or inflammatory situations;
6. Social-emotional and behavioral supports;
7. Social relationships;
8. Community activities;
9. Neighborhood situation; and
10. Family situation.
Consequences for a student who commits one or more acts of harassment, intimidation, or
bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or
expulsion of students, as set forth in the Board’s approved Code of Student Conduct pursuant to
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1. Consequences for a student who commits an act of harassment,
intimidation, or bullying are those that are graded according to the severity of the offenses,
consider the developmental age of the student offenders and the students’ histories of
inappropriate behaviors consistent with the Board’s approved Code of Student Conduct and
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7, Student Conduct. The use of negative consequences should occur in
conjunction with remediation and not be relied upon as the sole intervention approach.
Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent another
occurrence of the problem, protect and provide support for the victim of the act, and take
corrective action for documented systemic problems related to harassment, intimidation, or
bullying. The consequences and remedial measures may include, but are not limited to, the
examples listed below:
Examples of Consequences
1. Admonishment;
2. Temporary removal from the classroom;
3. Deprivation of privileges;
4. Classroom or administrative detention;
5. Referral to disciplinarian;
6. In-school suspension;
7. Out-of-school suspension (short-term or long-term);
8. Reports to law enforcement or other legal action; or
9. Expulsion.
Examples of Remedial Measures
Personal – Student Exhibiting Bullying Behavior
1. Develop a behavioral contract with the student. Ensure the student has a voice in the
outcome and can identify ways he or she can solve the problem and change behaviors;
2. Meet with parents to develop a family agreement to ensure the parent and the student
understand school rules and expectations;
3. Explain the long-term negative consequences of harassment, intimidation, and bullying on
all involved;
4. Ensure understanding of consequences, if harassment, intimidation, and bullying behavior
continues;
5. Meet with school counselor, school social worker, or school psychologist to decipher mental
health issues (e.g., what is happening and why?);
6. Develop a learning plan that includes consequences and skill building;
7. Consider wrap-around support services or after-school programs or services;
8. Provide social skill training, such as impulse control, anger management, developing
empathy, and problem solving;
9. Arrange for an apology, preferably written;
10. Require a reflective essay to ensure the student understands the impact of his or her actions
on others;
11. Have the student research and teach a lesson to the class about bullying, empathy, or a
similar topic;
12. Arrange for restitution (i.e., compensation, reimbursement, amends, repayment),
particularly when personal items were damaged or stolen;
13. Explore age-appropriate restorative (i.e., healing, curative, recuperative) practices; and
14. Schedule a follow-up conference with the student.
Personal – Target/Victim
1. Meet with a trusted staff member to explore the student’s feelings about the incident;
2. Develop a plan to ensure the student’s emotional and physical safety at school;
3. Have the student meet with the school counselor or school social worker to ensure he or she
does not feel responsible for the bullying behavior;
4. Ask students to log behaviors in the future;
5. Help the student develop skills and strategies for resisting bullying; and
6. Schedule a follow-up conference with the student.
Parents, Family, and Community
1. Develop a family agreement;
2. Refer the family for family counseling; and
3. Offer parent education workshops related to bullying and social-emotional learning.
Examples of Remedial Measures – Environmental (Classroom, School Building, or School
District)
1. Analysis of existing data to identify bullying issues and concerns;
2. Use of findings from school surveys (e.g., school climate surveys);
3. Focus groups;
4. Mailings – postal and email;
5. Cable access television;
6. School culture change;
7. School climate improvement;
8. Increased supervision in “hot spots” (e.g. locker rooms, hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias,
school perimeters, buses);
9. Adoption of evidence-based systemic bullying prevention practices and programs;
10. Training for all certificated and non-certificated staff to teach effective prevention and
intervention skills and strategies;
11. Professional development plans for involved staff;
12. Participation of parents and other community members and organizations (e.g., Parent
Teacher Associations, Parent Teacher Organizations) in the educational program and in problem-
solving bullying issues;
13. Formation of professional learning communities to address bullying problems;
14. Small or large group presentations for fully addressing the actions and the school’s response
to the actions, in the context of the acceptable student and staff member behavior and the
consequences of such actions;
15. School policy and procedure revisions;
16. Modifications of schedules;
17. Adjustments in hallway traffic;
18. Examination and adoption of educational practices for actively engaging students in the
learning process and in bonding students to pro-social institutions and people;
19. Modifications in student routes or patterns traveling to and from school;
20. Supervision of student victims before and after school, including school transportation;
21. Targeted use of monitors (e.g., hallway, cafeteria, locker room, playground, school
perimeter, bus);
22. Targeted use of teacher aides;
23. Disciplinary action, including dismissal, for school staff who contributed to the problem;
24. Supportive institutional interventions, including participation in the Intervention and
Referral Services Team, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8;
25. Parent conferences;
26. Family counseling;
27. Development of a general harassment, intimidation, and bullying response plan;
28. Behavioral expectations communicated to students and parents;
29. Participation of the entire student body in problem-solving harassment, intimidation, and
bullying issues;
30. Recommendations of a student behavior or ethics council;
31. Participation in peer support groups;
32. School transfers; and
33. Involvement of law enforcement officers, including school resource officers and juvenile
officers or other appropriate legal action.
Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions – Adults
The district will also impose appropriate consequences and remedial actions to an adult who
commits an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student. The consequences may
include, but not be limited to: verbal or written reprimand, increment withholding, legal action,
disciplinary action, termination, and/or bans from providing services, participating in school
district-sponsored programs, or being in school buildings or on school grounds. Remedial
measures may include, but not be limited to: in or out-of-school counseling, professional
development programs, and work environment modifications.
Target/Victim Support
Districts should identify a range of strategies and resources that will be available to individual
victims of harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and respond in a manner that provides relief to
victims and does not stigmatize victims or further their sense of persecution. The type, diversity,
location, and degree of support are directly related to the student’s perception of safety.
Sufficient safety measures should be undertaken to ensure the victims’ physical and social-
emotional well-being and their ability to learn in a safe, supportive, and civil educational
environment.
Examples of support for student victims of harassment, intimidation, and bullying include:
1. Teacher aides;
2. Hallway and playground monitors;
3. Partnering with a school leader;
4. Provision of an adult mentor;
5. Assignment of an adult “shadow” to help protect the student;
6. Seating changes;
7. Schedule changes;
8. School transfers;
9. Before- and after-school supervision;
10. School transportation supervision;
11. Counseling; and
12. Treatment or therapy.
E. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Reporting Procedure
The Board of Education requires the Principal at each school to be responsible for receiving
complaints alleging violations of this Policy. All Board members, school employees, and
volunteers and contracted service providers who have contact with students are required to
verbally report alleged violations of this Policy to the Principal or the Principal’s designee on the
same day when the individual witnessed or received reliable information regarding any such
incident. All Board members, school employees, and volunteers and contracted service
providers who have contact with students, also shall submit a report in writing to the Principal
within two school days of the verbal report. The Principal will inform the parents of all students
involved in alleged incidents, and, as appropriate, may discuss the availability of counseling and
other intervention services. The Principal, upon receiving a verbal or written report, may take
interim measures to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of all parties pending the findings of
the investigation.
Students, parents, and visitors are encouraged to report alleged violations of this Policy to the
Principal on the same day when the individual witnessed or received reliable information
regarding any such incident. Students, parents, and visitors may report an act of harassment,
intimidation, or bullying anonymously. Formal action for violations of the Code of Student
Conduct may not be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
A Board member or school employee who promptly reports an incident of harassment,
intimidation, or bullying and who makes this report in compliance with the procedures set forth
in this Policy, is immune from a cause of action for damages arising from any failure to remedy
the reported incident.
In accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-18, the harassment, intimidation, and
bullying law does not prevent a victim from seeking redress under any other available law, either
civil or criminal, nor does it create or alter any tort liability.
The district may consider every mechanism available to simplify reporting, including standard
reporting forms and/or web-based reporting mechanisms. For anonymous reporting, the district
may consider locked boxes located in areas of a school where reports can be submitted without
fear of being observed.
A school administrator who receives a report of harassment, intimidation, and bullying from a
district employee, and fails to initiate or conduct an investigation, or who should have known of
an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying and fails to take sufficient action to minimize
or eliminate the harassment, intimidation, or bullying, may be subject to disciplinary action.
F. Anti-Bullying Coordinator, Anti-Bullying Specialist, and School Safety Team(s)
1. The Superintendent shall appoint a district Anti-Bullying Coordinator. The Superintendent
shall make every effort to appoint an employee of the school district to this position.
The district Anti-Bullying Coordinator shall:
a. Be responsible for coordinating and strengthening the school district's policies to prevent,
identify, and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students;
b. Collaborate with school Anti-Bullying Specialists in the district, the Board of Education, and
the Superintendent to prevent, identify, and respond to harassment, intimidation, or bullying of
students in the district;
c. Provide data, in collaboration with the Superintendent, to the Department of Education
regarding harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students;
d. Execute such other duties related to school harassment, intimidation, or bullying as requested
by the Superintendent; and
e. Meet at least twice a school year with the school Anti-Bullying Specialist(s) to discuss and
strengthen procedures and policies to prevent, identify, and address harassment, intimidation,
and bullying in the district.
2. The Principal in each school shall appoint a school Anti-Bullying Specialist. The Anti-
Bullying Specialist shall be a guidance counselor, school psychologist, or other certified staff
member trained to be the Anti-Bullying Specialist from among the currently employed staff in
the school.
The school Anti-Bullying Specialist shall:
a. Chair the School Safety Team as provided in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-21;
Lead the investigation of incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in the school; and
Act as the primary school official responsible for preventing, identifying, and addressing
incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in the school.
3. A School Safety Team shall be formed in each school in the district to develop, foster, and
maintain a positive school climate by focusing on the on-going systemic operational procedures
and educational practices in the school, and to address issues such as harassment, intimidation, or
bullying that affect school climate and culture. Each School Safety Team shall meet, at a
minimum, two times per school year. The School Safety Team shall consist of the Principal or
the Principal’s designee who, if possible, shall be a senior administrator in the school and the
following appointees of the Principal: a teacher in the school; a school Anti-Bullying Specialist;
a parent of a student in the school; and other members to be determined by the Principal. The
school Anti-Bullying Specialist shall serve as the chair of the School Safety Team.
The School Safety Team shall:
a. Receive records of all complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students that
have been reported to the Principal;
b. Receive copies of all reports prepared after an investigation of an incident of harassment,
intimidation, or bullying;
c. Identify and address patterns of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students in the
school;
d. Review and strengthen school climate and the policies of the school in order to prevent and
address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students;
e. Educate the community, including students, teachers, administrative staff, and parents, to
prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students;
f. Participate in the training required pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 et seq.
and other training which the Principal or the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator may request.
The School Safety Team shall be provided professional development opportunities that may
address effective practices of successful school climate programs or approaches; and
g. Execute such other duties related to harassment, intimidation, or bullying as requested by the
Principal or district Anti-Bullying Coordinator.
Notwithstanding any provision of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-21 to the contrary, a parent who is a member
of the School Safety Team shall not participate in the activities of the team set forth in 3. a., b.,
or c. above or any other activities of the team which may compromise the confidentiality of a
student, consistent with, at a minimum, the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1232 and 34 CFR Part 99), N.J.A.C. 6A:32-7, Student Records
and N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.9, Student Records.
G. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Investigation
The Board requires a thorough and complete investigation to be conducted for each report of
violations and complaints which either identify harassment, intimidation, or bullying or describe
behaviors that indicate harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The investigation shall be initiated
by the Principal or the Principal’s designee within one school day of the verbal report of the
incident. The investigation shall be conducted by the school Anti-Bullying Specialist in
coordination with the Principal. The Principal may appoint additional personnel who are not
school Anti-Bullying Specialists to assist with the investigation.
The investigation shall be completed and the written findings submitted to the Principal as soon
as possible, but not later than ten school days from the date of the written report of the incident.
Should information regarding the reported incident and the investigation be received after the
end of the ten-day period, the school Anti-Bullying Specialist shall amend the original report of
the results of the investigation to ensure there is an accurate and current record of the facts and
activities concerning the reported incident.
The Principal shall proceed in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct, as appropriate,
based on the investigation findings. The Principal shall submit the report to the Superintendent
within two school days of the completion of the investigation and in accordance with the
Administrative Procedures Act (N.J.S.A. 52:14B-1 et seq.). As appropriate to the findings from
the investigation, the Superintendent shall ensure the Code of Student Conduct has been
implemented and may decide to provide intervention services, order counseling, establish
training programs to reduce harassment, intimidation, or bullying and enhance school climate,
impose discipline, or take or recommend other appropriate action, as necessary.
The Superintendent shall report the results of each investigation to the Board of Education no
later than the date of the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting following the
completion of the investigation. The Superintendent’s report shall include information on any
consequences imposed under the Code of Student Conduct, any services provided, training
established, or other action taken or recommended by the Superintendent.
Parents of involved student offenders and targets/victims shall be provided with information
about the investigation, in accordance with Federal and State law and regulation. The
information to be provided to parents shall include the nature of the investigation, whether the
district found evidence of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, and whether consequences were
imposed or services provided to address the incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
This information shall be provided in writing within five school days after the results of the
investigation are reported to the Board of Education.
A parent may request a hearing before the Board of Education after receiving the information
about the investigation. The hearing shall be held within ten school days of the request. The
Board of Education shall conduct the hearing in executive session, pursuant to the Open Public
Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq.), to protect the confidentiality of the students. At the
hearing, the Board may hear testimony from and consider information provided by the school
Anti-Bullying Specialist and others, as appropriate, regarding the incident, the findings from the
investigation of the incident, recommendations for consequences or services, and any programs
instituted to reduce such incidents, prior to rendering a determination.
At the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting following its receipt of the
Superintendent’s report on the results of the investigations to the Board or following a hearing in
executive session, the Board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the
Superintendent’s decision. The Board’s decision may be appealed to the Commissioner of
Education, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:3, Controversies and Disputes, no later than ninety
days after issuance of the Board of Education’s decision.
A parent, student, or organization may file a complaint with the Division on Civil Rights within
one hundred eighty days of the occurrence of any incident of harassment, intimidation, or
bullying based on membership in a protected group as enumerated in the "Law Against
Discrimination," P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.).
H. Range of Responses to an Incident of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying
The Board shall establish a range of responses to harassment, intimidation, and bullying
incidents and the Principal and the Anti-Bullying Specialist shall appropriately apply these
responses once an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying is confirmed. The
Superintendent shall respond to confirmed harassment, intimidation, and bullying, according to
the parameters described in this Policy. The range of ways in which school staff will respond
shall include an appropriate combination of counseling, support services, intervention services,
and other programs. The Board recognizes that some acts of harassment, intimidation, or
bullying may be isolated incidents requiring the school officials respond appropriately to the
individual(s) committing the acts. Other acts may be so serious or parts of a larger pattern of
harassment, intimidation, or bullying that they require a response either at the classroom, school
building, or school district level or by law enforcement officials.
For every incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, the school officials must respond
appropriately to the individual who committed the act. The range of responses to confirmed
harassment, intimidation, or bullying acts should include individual, classroom, school, or
district responses, as appropriate to the findings from each incident. Examples of responses that
apply to each of these categories are provided below:
1. Individual responses can include consistent and appropriate positive behavioral interventions
(e.g., peer mentoring, short-term counseling, life skills groups) intended to remediate the
problem behaviors.
2. Classroom responses can include class discussions about an incident of harassment,
intimidation, or bullying, role plays (when implemented with sensitivity to a student’s situation
or involvement with harassment, intimidation, and bullying), research projects, observing and
discussing audio-visual materials on these subjects, and skill-building lessons in courtesy,
tolerance, assertiveness, and conflict management.
3. School responses can include theme days, learning station programs, “acts of kindness”
programs or awards, use of student survey data to plan prevention and intervention programs and
activities, social norms campaigns, posters, public service announcements, “natural helper” or
peer leadership programs, “upstander” programs, parent programs, the dissemination of
information to students and parents explaining acceptable uses of electronic and wireless
communication devices, and harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention curricula or
campaigns.
4. District-wide responses can comprise of adoption of school-wide programs, including
enhancing the school climate, involving the community in policy review and development,
providing professional development coordinating with community-based organizations (e.g.,
mental health, health services, health facilities, law enforcement, faith-based organizations),
launching harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention campaigns.
I. Reprisal or Retaliation Prohibited
The Board prohibits a Board member, school employee, contracted service provider who has
contact with students, school volunteer, or student from engaging in reprisal, retaliation, or false
accusation against a victim, witness, or one with reliable information, or any other person who
has reliable information about an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or who reports an
act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The consequence and appropriate remedial action
for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the administrator after
consideration of the nature, severity, and circumstances of the act, in accordance with case law,
Federal and State statutes and regulations, and district policies and procedures. All suspected
acts of reprisal or retaliation will be taken seriously and appropriate responses will be made in
accordance with the totality of the circumstances.
Examples of consequences and remedial measures for students who engage in reprisal or
retaliation are listed and described in the Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions
section of this Policy.
Examples of consequences for a school employee or a contracted service provider who has
contact with students who engage in reprisal or retaliation may include, but not be limited to:
verbal or written reprimand, increment withholding, legal action, disciplinary action,
termination, and/or bans from providing services, participating in school district-sponsored
programs, or being in school buildings or on school grounds. Remedial measures may include,
but not be limited to: in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and
work environment modifications.
Examples of consequences for a Board member who engages in reprisal or retaliation may
include, but not be limited to: reprimand, legal action, and other action authorized by statute or
administrative code. Remedial measures may include, but not be limited to: counseling and
professional development.
J. Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Action for False Accusation
The Board prohibits any person from falsely accusing another as a means of retaliation or as a
means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
1. Students - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a student found to have
falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or as a means of
retaliation may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or
expulsion, as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1 et seq., Discipline of Students and as set forth
in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2, Short-term Suspensions, N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7, Long-term Suspensions and
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.5, Expulsions and those listed and described in the Consequences and
Appropriate Remedial Actions section of this Policy.
2. School Employees - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school
employee or contracted service provider who has contact with students found to have falsely
accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or bullying or as a means of retaliation
could entail discipline in accordance with district policies, procedures, and agreements which
may include, but not be limited to: reprimand, suspension, increment withholding, termination,
and/or bans from providing services, participating in school district-sponsored programs, or
being in school buildings or on school grounds. Remedial measures may include, but not be
limited to: in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and work
environment modifications.
3. Visitors or Volunteers - Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a visitor or
volunteer found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation, or
bullying or as a means of retaliation could be determined by the school administrator after
consideration of the nature, severity, and circumstances of the act, including law enforcement
reports or other legal actions, removal of buildings or grounds privileges, or prohibiting contact
with students or the provision of student services. Remedial measures may include, but not be
limited to: in or out-of-school counseling, professional development programs, and work
environment modifications.
K. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Publication and Dissemination
This Policy will be disseminated annually by the Superintendent to all school employees,
contracted service providers who have contact with students, school volunteers, students, and
parents who have children enrolled in a school in the district, along with a statement explaining
the Policy applies to all acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, pursuant to N.J.S.A.
18A:37-14 that occur on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or on a school bus and,
as appropriate, acts that occur off school grounds.
The Superintendent shall ensure that notice of this Policy appears in the student handbook and
all other publications of the school district that set forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and
standards for schools within the school district.
The Superintendent shall post a link to the district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
Policy that is prominently displayed on the homepage of the school district’s website. The
district will notify students and parents this Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy is
available on the school district’s website.
The Superintendent shall post the name, school phone number, school address, and school email
address of the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator on the home page of the school district’s
website. Each Principal shall post the name, school phone number, address, and school email
address of both the Anti-Bullying Specialist and the district Anti-Bullying Coordinator on the
home page of each school’s website.
L. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Training and Prevention Programs
The Superintendent and Principal(s) shall provide training on the school district’s Harassment,
Intimidation, and Bullying Policy to current and new school employees; including
administrators, instructors, student support services, administrative/office support, transportation,
food service, facilities/maintenance; contracted service providers; and volunteers who have
significant contact with students; and persons contracted by the district to provide services to
students. The training shall include instruction on preventing bullying on the basis of the
protected categories enumerated in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14 and other distinguishing characteristics
that may incite incidents of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
Each public school teacher and educational services professional shall be required to complete at
least two hours of instruction in harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention within each
five year professional development period as part of the professional development requirement
pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18:37-22.d. The required two hours of suicide prevention instruction shall
include information on the risk of suicide and incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying
and information on reducing the risk of suicide in students who are members of communities
identified as having members at high risk of suicide.
Each newly elected or appointed Board member must complete, during the first year of the
member’s first term, a training program on harassment, intimidation, and bullying in accordance
with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:12-33.
The school district shall provide time during the usual school schedule for the Anti-Bullying
Coordinator and each school Anti-Bullying Specialist to participate in harassment, intimidation,
and bullying training programs.
A school leader shall complete school leader training that shall include information on the
prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying as required in N.J.S.A. 18A:26-8.2.
The school district shall annually observe a “Week of Respect” beginning with the first Monday
in October. In order to recognize the importance of character education, the school district will
observe the week by providing age-appropriate instruction focusing on the prevention of
harassment, intimidation, and bullying as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14. Throughout the school
year the district will provide ongoing age-appropriate instruction on preventing harassment,
intimidation, or bullying, in accordance with the Core Curriculum Content Standards, pursuant to
N.J.S.A. 18A:37-29.
The school district and each school in the district will annually establish, implement, document,
and assess harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention programs or approaches, and other
initiatives in consultation with school staff, students, administrators, volunteers, parents, law
enforcement, and community members. The programs or approaches and other initiatives shall
be designed to create school-wide conditions to prevent and address harassment, intimidation,
and bullying in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17 et seq.
M. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy Reevaluation, Reassessment and
Review
The Superintendent shall develop and implement a process for annually discussing the school
district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy with students.
The Superintendent and the Principal(s) shall annually conduct a reevaluation, reassessment, and
review of the Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Policy, with input from the schools’ Anti-
Bullying Specialists, and recommend revisions and additions to the Policy as well as to
harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention programs and approaches based on the
findings from the evaluation, reassessment, and review.
N. Reports to Board of Education and New Jersey Department of Education
The Superintendent shall report two times each school year, between September 1 and January 1
and between January 1 and June 30 at a public hearing all acts of violence, vandalism, and
harassment, intimidation, and bullying which occurred during the previous reporting period in
accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. The information shall also be reported to
the New Jersey Department of Education in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46.
O. School and District Grading Requirements
Each school and each district shall receive a grade for the purpose of assessing their efforts to
implement policies and programs consistent with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18:37-13 et seq. The
grade received by a school and the district shall be posted on the homepage of the school’s
website and the district’s website in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-46. A
link to the report that was submitted by the Superintendent to the Department of Education shall
also be available on the school district’s website. This information shall be posted on the
websites within ten days of receipt of the grade for each school and the district.
P. Reports to Law Enforcement
Some acts of harassment, intimidation, and bullying may be bias-related acts and potentially bias
crimes and school officials must report to law enforcement officials either serious acts or those
which may be part of a larger pattern in accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum of
Agreement Between Education and Law Enforcement Officials.
Q. Collective Bargaining Agreements and Individual Contracts
Nothing in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13.1 et seq. may be construed as affecting the provisions of any
collective bargaining agreement or individual contract of employment in effect on the Anti-
Bullying Bill of Rights Act’s effective date (January 5, 2011). N.J.S.A. 18A:37-30.
The Board of Education prohibits the employment of or contracting for school staff positions
with individuals whose criminal history record check reveals a record of conviction for a crime
of bias intimidation or conspiracy to commit or attempt to commit a crime of bias intimidation.
R. Students with Disabilities
Nothing contained in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13.1 et seq. may alter or reduce the rights of a student
with a disability with regard to disciplinary actions or to general or special education services
and supports. N.J.S.A. 18A:37-32.
The school district shall submit all subsequent amended Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying
Policies to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools within thirty days of Board adoption.
N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 through 18A:37-32
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1 et seq.; 6A:16-7.9 et seq.
Model Policy and Guidance for Prohibiting Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying on School
Property, at School-Sponsored Functions and on School Buses – April 2011 – New Jersey
Department of Education
Memorandum – New Jersey Commissioner of Education – Guidance for Schools on
Implementing the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act – December 16, 2011
Adopted: 26 August 2014
