Transcript Section 504 - Morris School District

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:37-15.3.
 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
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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
CONFLICT
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”
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HIB
Reporting HIB
School Staff
 Students
 Parents
 Other
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Investigating HIB
Report to Principal (verbal / written)
 Investigation Initiated by Anti-Bullying
Specialist
 Interviews / Statements by witnesses
 Concluded within 10 school days
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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:
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Principal or his or her designee
Teacher(s)
Anti-Bullying Specialist
Parent
Other members as determined by principal
School Climate Team
(School Safety Team)
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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 (2014-15)
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Mary Ellen DiCataldo, Anti-Bullying
Specialist
Josephine Noone, Principal
Donna Sjovall, School Psychologist
Lara Emanuele, Helping Teacher / 3rd
Grade Teacher
Elizabeth Ferraiolo, Helping Teacher /
Basic Skills
Betsy Rescorla, Special Education Teacher
Cynthia Moline, Parent