VII.+Prohibition+Against+Bullying+and+Retaliation

// The law requires each Plan to include a statement prohibiting bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation. The statement must be included in the Plan and included in the student code of conduct, the student handbook, and the staff handbook. The following statement is incorporated directly from M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(b), and describes the law’s requirements for the prohibition of bullying. It may be tailored to meet the specific priorities of the school or district. Alternative language is included in the draft priority statements in Part I.D above. // Acts of bullying, which include cyberbullying, are prohibited:
 * VII. PROHIBITION AGAINST BULLYING AND RETALIATION **

**Submitted by K. Massimiano**

** VII. PROHIBITION AGAINST BULLYING AND RETALIATION (KFM) **

A. Richmond Consolidated School expects that all members of the school community, including all students, staff, and parents, treat each other with respect and in a civil manner. RCS is committed to providing all community members with a safe learning and working environment that is free from any and all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying and retaliation. This commitment is an integral part of our comprehensive efforts to promote learning, and to prevent and eliminate all forms of bullying and other harmful and disruptive behavior that can impede the learning process.

B. Richmond Consolidated School will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying. All reports and complaints of any form of bullying will be investigated promptly and action will be initiated immediately to end the behavior and to restore the target’s and the community’s sense of safety. When any form of bullying is alleged, the full cooperation and assistance of all members of the school community, including all students, staff, and parents, are expected.

C. Acts of bullying, including cyberbullying and retaliation, are prohibited:

(i) on school grounds and property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-­related activity, function, or program whether on or off school grounds, at school bus stops, on school buses or other vehicles owned, leased, or used by Richmond Consolidated School; or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased, or used by Richmond Consolidated School; and

(ii) at a location, activity, function, or program that is not school-­related (including at home) through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by Richmond Consolidated School, if the acts create a hostile environment at RCS for the target or witnesses, infringe on their rights at school, or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Note: I think the Prevention and Intervention Plan section should be included in the Leadership Area.

End of K. Massimiano submission

(i) on school grounds and property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-­related activity, function, or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a school district or school; or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased, or used by a school district or school, and (ii) at a location, activity, function, or program that is not school-­related through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by a school district or school, if the acts create a hostile environment at school for the target or witnesses, infringe on their rights at school, or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying is also prohibited. As stated in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, nothing in this Plan requires the district or school to staff any non-school related activities, functions, or programs. As stated in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, nothing in this Plan requires the district or school to staff any non-school related activities, functions, or programs.

Should this section be included in the Leadership Area?