Transcript Parent Education Series #3: H.I.B. and Student Relationships

Parent Education Series #3:
H.I.B. and Student
Relationships
Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
Willow Grove Elementary School
Welcome!
• Introductions
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Mrs. Aspasia Verpeut, Willow Grove Guidance Counselor
Mr. Patrick McQueeney, Willow Grove Principal
• Intended Focus
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NJ State Regulations for Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (H.I.B.)
H.I.B. Reporting and Investigation Procedures
Willow Grove Anti-Bullying and Positive Student Relationship Programs and Resources
NJ H.I.B. Legislation
• New Jersey passed the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act in January of 2011 and
it was implemented by schools in September of 2011.
• The Act defined H.I.B. (statutory H.I.B.), how it should be reported, and
finally how potential acts of H.I.B. should be investigated.
• Schools were required to designated an Anti Bullying Coordinator for each
district (Mr. Guy Jorstad, HHS Director of Guidance) and an Anti Bullying
Specialist at the building levels (Mrs. Aspasia Verpeut, WG Guidance
Counselor).
• The legislation in its full form can be found here, NJ H.I.B. Legislation.
H.I.B. Reporting and Investigation Timelines
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Verbal report of a potential incident of HIB must be made to the principal on the
same day by anyone having witnessed or received information that a potential HIB
may have occurred.
Schools have 10 days to complete an investigation of the incident to determine if it
should be classified as an HIB incident as defined by NJ statute and submit that
report to the Superintendent.
The Superintendent will then present a redacted report to the Board of Education
at their next schedule meeting.
Within 5 days of the meeting, the parents of all parties are notified.
Parents may appeal the decision and request a hearing before the Board of
Education within 10 days of receiving the notification.
H.I.B. Clarifications
• “Traditional bullying vs. statutory bullying”
• Principal can discipline students in violation of Code of Conduct in addition
to violations of HIB policies.
• HIB records are kept by the school in a separate location. The files are
transferred from elementary to middle to high schools. They are NOT part
of a students cumulative file.
Nurturing Positive
Student Relationships at
Willow Grove School
Character Education Program
• Character education is pro-active and developmental.
• It is an essential part of a child’s overall educational experience.
• The acquisition of social skills complements academic growth.
• Helping children develop healthy self-esteem is an integral part of our
character education program.
Willow Grove Guidance Classes
• Beginning in Kindergarten and
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continuing through 4th grade,
students are exposed to a variety of
topics:
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Development of positive character
traits
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Character Education
Conflict resolution
Harassment
Bullying
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Good citizenship
Responsibility
Respect
Empathy
Fairness
Caring
Trustworthiness
Classes begin in September and
continue throughout the school year.
Willow Grove Counseling Services
• Individual counseling sessions and
group counseling session are
available throughout the year by
parent/teacher request.
• Individual and group counseling
attempts to help children:
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Resolve conflicts
Learn how to express their feelings in a
positive manner
Develop coping skills
Form friendships
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Build self-esteem
Learn about empathy
Increase self-control
Make informed decisions and wise
choices
Learn responsible behaviors
Cooperate with others
Follow directions
Willow Grove Rainbows Program
• Rainbows for All Children is a support program for students as they navigate
grief and heal from loss, whether from death, divorce, deployment, or other
trauma.
• These small group meetings are held by trained facilitators here at Willow
Grove.
• Participation in the Rainbows program can be initiated by contacting Mrs.
Verpeut.
How can parents support and develop healthy
self-esteems?
• Focus on your child’s strengths
• Compliment your child
• Set attainable/achievable goals
• Emphasize your child’s accomplishments
• Minimize poor performance
• Offer constructive criticism
Questions?
Mrs. Aspasia Verpeut, Guidance Counselor
[email protected]
Mr. Patrick McQueeney, Principal
[email protected]