The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Presentation to School Committee

December 20, 2010

The Plan

Intended to serve as a blueprint for enhancing the District’s capacity to prevent and respond to issues of bullying and cyber-bullying.

As required by M.G.L. (c. 71 §. 370)

Development of Plan: Consultation with Tasks Force Public comment period Informational meeting Online survey

School Committee for approval

Assessment of Plan

Continuously assess the adequacy of our existing programs:

Review our current policies and procedures

Analyze the available data on bullying and behavioral incidents

Assess the available resources including curricula, training programs, and behavioral health services

Periodic needs assessment:

Review our current policies and procedures

Surveying students, staff, parents, and guardians on school climate and school safety issues.

Collect and analyze building-specific data on the prevalence and characteristics of bullying.

Formal review and presentation to School Committee on an annual basis

Contents

I. LEADERSHIP

II. TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

III. ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

IV. ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

V. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING AND RESPONDING TO BULLYING AND RETALIATION

VI. COLLABORATION WITH FAMILIES

VII. PROHIBITION AGAINST BULLYING AND RETALIATION

VIII. DEFINITIONS

IX. RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER LAWS

X. APPENDIX OF RESOURCES

Leadership

Priority Statement (See policy 6.15, Anti-bullying Policy) Public Involvement in the Development of the Plan Task Force Safety Committee Public Presentation Online survey Assessing Needs and Resources Planning and Oversight

Training and Professional Development

Annual Staff Training on the Plan

Ongoing Professional Development

Professional Development offerings in the district: Second Step Violence Prevention Curriculum Steps to Respect Bullying Prevention Program MA Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) Trainings Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Trainings

Annual written notice of the Plan to staff

Access to Resources and Services

School Psychologists Guidance Counselors School District and Administrators Library of Resources (including

publications, CDs, DVD’s, etc.) Coaches Adjustment Counselors School Nurses Health/Wellness teachers School Resource Officers Behavior Specialists Speech/Language Pathologists Occupational Therapists

Special Education ELL Support Child Study Teams Crisis Response Teams Social Skills Groups Transitional meetings for students Behavior Intervention Plans Functional Behavioral

Assessments Community-based counseling

programs After-school activities & programs IEP Team considerations (if

disability that affects social skills development)

Academic and Non-Academic Activities

Specific Bullying Prevention Approaches Research-based curriculum

General Teaching Approaches Establishing a safe and supportive school environment

Academic and Non-Academic Activities Instructional and Curriculum Activities

Counseling staffMARCElem Curriculum Internet Safety PlanSpecial Education Services and Supports

Academic and Non-Academic Activities Institutional Prevention

Locations of classrooms Security cameras Bus cameras Hallway supervision Cafeteria seating Recess supervision Bathroom monitoring Programs which support

Positive School Culture

Staffing Support Administration Counselors Child Study Teams School Placement SROs

Polices and Procedures

See policy 6.15, Anti-bullying Policy

Incident Report Form (not requirement for reporting)

Can be found: Handbook Main office Counselor’s office Nurse’s office Website

Reporting by staff Immediately upon

awareness

Reporting by others May be anonymous

(cannot take disciplinary action)

May request assistance completing report

Responding to Report of Bullying or Retaliation

Take necessary safety precautions (to protect against future incidents)

Obligation to notify others (parents of target and aggressor)

Notice to law enforcement (if warranted) MOU (Plymouth Public Schools and Police Dept.)

Responding to Report of Bullying or Retaliation Investigation

interview students, staff, witnesses, parents or guardians, and others as necessary

Determinations The principal or designee will:

determine what remedial action is required, if any, an determine what responsive actions and/or disciplinary action is

necessary

Reponses to bullying Teaching of appropriate behavior Disciplinary action (handbook) Promoting appropriate safety of the environments

Collaboration with Families Parent Education and Resources

Programs will be offered in collaboration with: Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) Plymouth County District Attorney's Office Plymouth Family Network Parent Teacher Association Parent Teacher Organization Plymouth Youth Development Collaborative School Council School Health Advisory Council Special Education Parent Advisory Council

Each year the Plymouth Public School will inform families about the anti-bullying curricula that are being used

Notice of Acceptable Use Policy

Readily available in Student Handbook and Website www.plymouth.k12.ma.us