Bullying Prevention and Intervention in Needham Public Schools ALL COACHES’ MEETING AUGUST 30, 2010 Tom Denton Director of Guidance

Legislation and Requirements for Schools May 3, 2010, Anti-Bullying Law signed All school employees must be trained in: –Staff responsibilities –Investigation process –Prevention strategies

Bullying Definition - Part 1 1. Repeated use of a written, verbal, electronic expression or a physical act or gesture, directed at a target that: Causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property; Places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or his property; Creates a hostile environment at school for the target; Infringes on the rights of the target at school; or Substantially disrupts the education process or operation of a school. 2.Bullying is more than conflict. 3.Characterized by an imbalance of power (size, age, social status, popularity, ability).

Bullying Definition - Part 2 Cyber-bullying is bullying through the use of technology. This includes: –Creation of a webpage or blog in which the creator assumes another’s identity. –The knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content, if the impersonation results in bullying, as defined above. Cyber-bullying may include conduct such as sending derogatory, harassing or threatening s, instant messages or text messages; creating websites that ridicule others; disseminating inappropriate pictures or images of others.

Bullying Definition-Part 3 Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment directed against a person who reports bullying or provides information during an investigation. Bullying, Cyber-bullying and Retaliation are prohibited in our schools.

What Does This Mean for Coaches and Staff? We have always worked to prevent and intervene when bullying was suspected. The law requires an enhanced focus on our procedures for prevention and intervention. If you observe or are told about behavior that may be bullying, you are required to report it to the AD, Principal or Assistant Principal.

Reporting Responsibilities Coaches should report any instance of suspected bullying or retaliation to the assistant principal, principal or Athletic Director. Reporting should immediately follow an event or practice, assuming the behavior does not pose an immediate threat. Timely investigation by principal or designee required. Upon determining bullying or retaliation occurred, the principal/designee promptly notifies parent/guardian of the target and parent/ guardians of the aggressor. Reporting to parent/guardian conforms to laws re: Student Records confidentiality. No revealing student(s) name or disciplinary action to parent of another student.

How can you help prevent it? Promote and model respectful language. Foster respect for difference and diversity. Let athletes know what you expect from them as a team and as individuals.

Summary New law enhances our focus on school climate, SEL, and bullying in our schools. High School student handbook policies and procedures provide explicit disciplinary responses to bullying, cyberbullying and retaliation. Please read this! All members of the school community have responsibility for keeping students safe. We are counting on our coaches to set an example and not to tolerate students who might create unsafe, threatening situations for others.