ROBBINSVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2011 You Are Not Alone

Words Hurt

What is Bullying? Bullying refers to actions repeated over time which harm, harass, intimidate, or humiliate another person. Typically there is an imbalance of power. (NOTE: The new law says that bullying can be a single incident.) Bullying may be physical, verbal, relational, or electronic. Bullying may be direct or indirect (hitting, texting or spreading rumors). Bullying can take place on or off school grounds.

What is Bullying? (continued) Bullying differs from rough and tumble play or friendly teasing. The phrase “harassment, intimidation, and bullying” (HIB) is often used in place of the term “bullying”. “Bias-based Bullying” is commonly used to describe bullying in which legally protected characteristics (such as gender, identify, sexual orientation, disability, etc) are targeted.

Bullying or Not?

What Happens When Bullying Occurs? All acts of HIB must be reported verbally to the principal on the same day when the school employee or contracted service provider witnessed or received reliable information regarding any such incident; Principals must inform parents of all students involved in the alleged incident; May discuss the availability of counseling and other intervention services; All acts of HIB must be reported in writing to the principal within 2 school days of when the school employee or contracted service provider witnessed or received reliable information.

Celebrating What We Do at Sharon & Windsor  Responsive Classroom and Morning Meetings  Monthly Character Education Themes and lessons  NJ CAP Program for Grade 1  Early Act  Safety Patrol Leadership Training  Kindness News  Family Nights

Celebrating What We Do at Pond Grade 4 Guidance Cycle classes Grade 5 – Dare Responsive Classroom/ Morning Meetings – Grade 4 & 5 Grade 6 – No More Bullies/No More Victims NJ State Bar Association Pamphlets for Grades 7 & 8 Grade 8 – NJ CAP Program Child Assault Prevention Rachel’s Challenge Early Act Student Council Positive Behavior Support System Project Wisdom

Celebrating What We Do at RHS Rachel’s Challenge Interact Student Government Health Wellness Curriculum Community Service Requirement Responsible Citizenship Assemblies GSA Club International Club Students Against Destructive Decisions

Week of Respect Starting this year, the week beginning with the first Monday in October has been designated as a “Week of Respect” in the State of New Jersey. This year’s Week of Respect will take place October 3 – October 7.

New School District Staff Functions District Anti-Bullying Coordinator Kathie Foster Anti-Bullying School Specialists for Each School RHS - Anna Hernandez PRMS - Marci Singer Sharon School - Kim White School Safety Teams for Each School

Resources Bullying Prevention Guidance from the NJ Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention Bullying Prevention Guidance from the NJ Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention