Bullying Policy Presented to Gloucester City School Board
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
By Anne Forline
Gloucester City News
On October 6 School District anti-bullying coordinator Kris Kitchenman, together with Mary Ethel Costello Principal William O’Kane and Gloucester City High Assistant Principal Christine Trampe, presented an overview of the district’s Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) policy to the Board of Education.
The administrators spoke of the policies and procedures that must conform to the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights” that had been signed into law earlier this year by Governor Chris Christie.
The intent of the measure was to strengthen anti-bullying legislation already in place.
New Jersey State Statute 18A:37-13 outlines the requirements for the prevention, intervention and reporting of harassment, intimidation and bullying on and off school property, at school-sponsored functions and on school buses.
It defines harassment, intimidation or bullying as, “Any gesture or written, verbal or physical act that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory handicap, or by any other distinguishing characteristic.”
Ms. Kitchenman said that electronic communication, such as Facebook, email and texting, is also included.
She also said that teachers or other school staff must report any instances of HIB to their school’s principal the same day.
Although the law calls for reports to be made within two days, Ms. Kitchenman said the school district policy is one day.
All reports of HIB are forwarded to School Superintendent Paul Spaventa,
who reviews them and must present them to the school board.
Excuses such as, “Kids will be kids,” or “This is just a normal part of growing up,” are not acceptable.
If an incident is reported as anything HIB-related, a report will be made, letters will be sent to parents of both the victim and the aggressor, and an investigation opened. Any unreported incidents of HIB on the part of school personnel will result in discipline.
Training on how to differentiate among instances of HIB and general conflict is also being provided to school personnel.
Mr. O’Kane stressed the importance of being proactive. He said continuing character education for the students is vital.
For information about HIB, visit the district’s website at gcsd.k12.nj.us/.
Underneath the “School Board” tab, there is a link dedicated to harassment, bullying and intimidation policy and resources.
