1. H IGHLIGHTS OF H ARASSMENT, I NTIMIDATION AND B ULLYING P OLICY N EWARK P UBLIC S CHOOLS H IGHLIGHTS OF H ARASSMENT, I NTIMIDATION AND B ULLYING P OLICY

2. NJDOE M ANDATORY NEW POLICY File Code: 5131.1

3. R EASONS FOR THE L AW Significant Recent Research Since the Original 2002 NJ Anti- Bully Law 2009 U.S. Departments of Justice an Education Study:  32% of the students ages 12 through 18 were bullied in the previous year.  25% of reporting schools indicated bullying was a daily or weekly problem.

4. R EASONS FOR THE L AW ( CONT.) 2009 “Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance” US Center for Disease Prevention and Control:  Percentage of students bullied in NJ is 1% higher than the national median.

5. B ULLYING : L EARNED B EHAVIOR Research clearly indicates bullying is learned behavior and detrimental to the academic, physical, social and emotional development of all involved – bullies, targets and the bystanders who witness it…A wave of recent bullying incidents with tragic outcomes has shed a renewed light on the issue. The advent of technology allowing for impulsive, anonymous and rapid communication, has expanded the opportunities for bullying to a degree that necessitates more innovative and immediate responses than ever before. Source: DuPage County Anti-Bullying Task Force Model Bullying Policy (2011).

6. P UTTING ALL THE P IECES T OGETHER Goal Develop and sustain safe, supportive and civil schools in which HIB does not occur. PreventingReportingInvestigatingRespondingRemediating A COMPREHENSIVE HIB PROGRAM: 5 COMPONENTS

7. The District will not tolerate acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying. P ROHIBITION OF HIB

8. The District expects all students to treat each other with civility and respect. E XPECTATION

9. The Pillars of Character Education are essential components of the district curriculum to model appropriate behavior. D ISTRICT C URRICULUM Trustworthiness Fairness Respect Caring Responsibility Citizenship

10. School responses are aligned to the approved Code of Conduct in the Newark Public School’s Discipline Plan and Policy. C ODE OF C ONDUCT

11. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Levels I and II Level I Misconduct  Disruptive behavior  Unexcused tardiness/class cutting/absence  Failure to wear identification badge when provided  Cheating  Failure to complete assignments  Failure to follow instructions  Wearing hats or other apparel disruptive to the educational process or other Dress Code Violations  Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Action Taken for Level I Misconduct  Verbal reprimand  Contact parent  Peer mediation  Conference  Withdrawal of privileges  Detention  Behavioral contract  Behavioral Improvement Program Notes Parent must be notified if student is kept for detention. No student K to 5 may be kept beyond 3:15PM Level II Misconduct  Continuation of unmodified Level I Misbehavior  Improper public display of affection  Defamation  Indecent exposure  Insubordination  Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying(continuation of behavior)  Leaving school without permission  Defying (disobeying the authority of school personnel)  Disruptive behavior on the school bus/public transportation  Interfering with school authorities and programs through walk- outs or sit-ins  Profane, obscene, indecent and immoral or seriously offensive language and gestures  Using forged notes or excuses  Scholastic dishonesty  Unauthorized sale or distribution of printed material  Unauthorized use of portable electronic communication devices  Improper urination/defecation  Truancy/ absences / lateness Actions Taken for Level II Misconduct  Confiscated items will only be returned to parents  Peer counseling  Peer mediation  Counseling  Parent/guardian conference required  Referral to social worker  Behavioral contracts  Probation contracts  Request for assistance I& RS committee member  Referral to outside agency  Suspension upon the approval of the Regional Superintendent Notes Confiscated items will only be returned to parents.

12. Level III Level III Misconduct  Gambling  Graffiti  Contaminating food  Fighting  Stealing  Threats to others  Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying(consistent,sustained and organizing others)  Cyberbullying and Harassment(threatening others)  Continued disruptive behavior  Smoking on school property  Possession of fireworks  Reckless endangerment  Unauthorized possession, use or distribution of medication  Trespassing  False alarm  Vandalism/destruction of property-between $25 and $500  Extreme defiance  Gender, racial or ethnic harassment  Sexual harassment  Wearing gang related apparel or accessories which indicate gang membership of affiliation. Action Taken for Level III Misconduct  Clean graffiti  Restitution for vandalism  Confiscated items will not be returned  Parent/guardian conference required  Counseling  Referral to social worker Request for assistance I&RS committee member  Referral to outside agencies  Alternative programs/Suspens ion Off-Site  Suspension On-Site  Suspension Off-Site  Suspension Notes Confiscated items will only be returned to parents (i.e. beepers, cell phones) STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT - CONTINUED

13. Level IV Level IV Misconduct  Weapons  Pulling fire boxes  Extortion  Physical attack on staff  Harassment,Intimidation and Bullying(sustained behavior and threats to others)  Cyberstalking (endangering lives of others through widespread dissemination)  Possession and/or use of biohazard materials  Bomb threat  Possession, use or distribution of explosives  Theft/possession/sale of stolen property  Possession/use/transfer of dangerous weapons  Assault and battery  Vandalism/destruction of Property- above $500  Arson  Possession, use, distribution of alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, controlled dangerous/illegal substances, imitation controlled substances, inhalants, other intoxicants, controlled or drug paraphernalia  Use/furnishing/selling/possession of unauthorized or illegal substance  Use of cellular phone to facilitate the commission of a crime or to inflict injury or harm to persons or property.  Terroristic threats  Alcohol  Sexual assault Actions Taken for Level IV Misconduct For students up to the age of 17  Suspension on Site  Alternative schools/services  Suspension  Other Superintendent action which results in appropriate placement  Expulsion  Suspension Off-Site For students 18 years old and over  Alternative school/Evening High School  Other Superintendent action which results in appropriate placement  Suspension Off Site  Expulsion Notes School Officials contact a Law Enforcement Agency and assist in prosecuting the offender. Parents are to be notified immediately. Referral to the Child Study Team. A student found to have been in violation of the policy would immediately enter an alternative program for a period of not less than 20 school days STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT - CONTINUED

14. LEVELS OF CONSEQUENCES IN CODE OF CONDUCT Admonishment Temporary removal from the classroom Deprivation of privileges Referral to disciplinarian In-school suspension during the school week or the weekend; not to exceed four days – Level 3 Out-of-school suspension; not to exceed four days – Level 4 Cyberstalking – Level 4 Legal action; and – Level 4 Expulsion – Level 4

15. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” is defined 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… DEFINITION

16. by any actual or perceived characteristics, 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 distinguished characteristic, that takes place on school grounds, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus, or off school grounds.” DEFINITION (CON’T)

17. Cyberbullying is an “electronic com- munication.” It is communication that is transmitted by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to a telephone, cellular phone or computer. DEFINITION (CON’T)

18. O FF S CHOOL G ROUNDS Any incident reported to the school, must be an investigated if it substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school and the rights of the students.

19. Difference between Conflict and HIB “Mutually” competitive or opposing action or engagement. Includes disagreements, arguments and fights. A normal part of growing up and of life HIB is one-sided One or more students are victims of one of more person’s aggression, as it applies to the HIB definition. The intent is to physically or emotionally hurt someone. ConflictHIB

20. Contact Information The following information must be posted on the district’s Website for the District Anti-Bullying Coordinator. Name, school phone number, school address and school email address. The following information must be posted on the school’s Website for both the District Anti-Bullying Coordinator and School Anti- Bullying Specialist. Name, school phone number, school address and school email address

21. R EPORTING R EPORTING The Principal and/or his designee shall be responsible for receiving complaints alleging violations of this policy.

22. All student incidents for Level 1, 2, 3 and Level 4 should be recorded within 24 hours on the Vandalism and Violence Report forms and faxed to the Regional Superintendent and the Office of Academic Services. Incidents for Level 3 and Level 4 must be recorded in PowerSchool. R EPORTING

23. All acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying that are reported in writing to the school principal should be investigated within two school days of when the school employee or contracted service provider witnessed or received reliable information that a student had been subjected to harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Complaint form may be utilized for this purpose (Disciplinary Plan Policy) faxed to the Regional Superintendent and the Office of Academic Services. Staff Incident Report faxed to Labor Relations and Affirmative Action Offices. P ROCEDURE

24. D ISTRICT A NTI -B ULLYING C OORDINATOR The chief school administrator appointed a Anti-Bullying Coordinator-Mrs. Delores Lemons-Gresham/321/973-733-6164 A.Be responsible for coordinating and strengthening the school district’s policies to prevent, identify and address harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students B.Collaborate with school anti-bullying specialists in the district, the board of education, and the chief school administrator to prevent, identify, and respond to harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students in the district C.Provide data, in collaboration with the chief school administrator, to the Department of Education regarding harassment, intimidation, and bullying incidents D.Provide mandatory training

25. S CHOOL A NTI -B ULLYING S PECIALIST The principal in each school shall appoint a School Anti- Bullying Sspecialist. Responsibilities: A.Chair the school safety team; sub-committee of the School Leadership Council. B.Lead the investigation and resolve all incidents of harassments, intimidation, and bullying in the school; utilize Incident Tracking form. C.Act as the primary school official responsible for preventing, identifying, and addressing incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying in the schools.

26. The District shall form a School Safety Sub Committee in each school to develop, foster, and maintain a positive school climate by focusing on the on-going, systemic process and practices in the school and to address school climate issues inclusive of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. S CHOOL S AFETY T EAM S CHOOL L EADERSHIP C OUNCIL S UB - C OMMITTEE GOAL

27. Committee shall consist of principal, administrator, designee teacher, school anti-bullying specialist, parent of student in the school. Other members determined by principal (only of confidentiality not compromised). S CHOOL S AFETY T EAM M EMBERSHIP

28. The School Safety Team shall meet at least two times per school year. The School Safety Team along with principal shall be responsible for providing Positive Behavior Supports to enhance school climate. S CHOOL S AFETY T EAM R ESPONSIBILITIES

29. The School Safety Team shall: The School Safety Team shall: A.Receive any complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students that have been reported to the principal; B.Receive copies of any report prepared after an investigation of an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying; C.Identify and address pattern of harassment, intimidation, bullying of students in the school; D.Review and strengthen school climate to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, bullying of students; A DDITIONAL R ESPONSIBILITIES

30. E.Ensure school enforces positive behavior supports to prevent incidents; F.Educate the community, including students, teachers, administrative staff, and parents, to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students; G.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. H.Collaborate with the District Anti-Bullying Coordinator in the collection of district-wide data and in the development of district policies to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students. R ESPONSIBILITIES ( CON ’ T )

31. Principal shall be responsible for promptly answering investigations committed on school grounds, at school activities, on school buses, as well as OFF school grounds.

32. The investigation shall be initiated by the principal or the principal's designee within one school day of the report of the incident and shall be conducted by a school anti-bullying specialist. The investigation shall be completed as soon as possible, but not later than ten school days from the date of the written report of the incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The results of the investigation shall be reported to the District Anti- Bullying Coordinator within two school days of the completion of the investigation on the Violence and Vandalism Report. I NVESTIGATION

33. W EEK OF R ESPECT W EEK OF R ESPECT In the state of New Jersey, the first Monday in October of each year is designated as a “Week of Respect.”