STUDENTS AND INSTRUCTION 5000

CONDUCT 5400

BULLYING 5416

Bullying and harassment of students can create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety for all members of the school community. Bullying can affect the ability of a student to attend school; to learn and progress effectively in school; and to participate in activities inside and outside of school, including traveling to and from school, walking in the corridors, eating in the school cafeteria, playing in the school yard and participating in special or extracurricular activities. Bullying behaviors that are not addressed can lead to serious adverse consequences for students, including academic, attendance or psychological problems. The failure to address bullying behaviors also gives other students the message that it is permissible to engage in negative behaviors.

Prohibition Against Bullying and Harassment: Bullying of students occurring in the schools is prohibited by law and will not be tolerated by the Melrose Public Schools. For purposes of this policy, "school" includes schools buildings, school grounds, school-sponsored activities, including social events, field trips, sports events, and similar school-sponsored events and functions, and travel to and from school and/or school-sponsored events.

Definition of bullying: Typically, bullying is a continuing pattern of intimidation or abuse by one or more persons against another person or persons, through verbal, physical, mental or written interactions in an attempt to gain dominance over another. It can take many forms and occur in virtually any setting. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following types of behavior:

· Physical or aggression against students, including assaults on student property;

· Intimidation or extortion, in any form, including cyber-bullying;

· Oral or written threats;

· Threatening looks or gestures;

· Teasing, name-calling or putdowns;

· Cruel rumors;

· False accusations; and

· Social isolation, such as shunning.

Intervention and Response to Alleged Bullying: The Melrose Public Schools takes allegations of bullying seriously and will respond promptly to complaints and allegations of bullying. If it is determined that inappropriate conduct has occurred, school officials will act promptly to eliminate the conduct and to impose corrective action, as necessary.

A school employee who observes, suspects or becomes aware of an act of bullying is expected to notify the principal immediately. Depending upon the severity of the incident, school officials may implement a student safety plan; separate and supervise the students involved; provide staff support for students; and/or develop a supervision plan with parents. In addition, school officials may require the offender(s) to work with school personnel on better behavior; recommend that the offender(s) obtain counseling or other therapeutic services; impose disciplinary action, up to and including detention, suspension, involuntary transfer to another district school, expulsion; and/or report incidents to law enforcement officials. Bystanders are encouraged to speak to an adult in the school to further reduce the effect of bullying. The Superintendent will develop administrative guidelines and procedures relative to the implementation of this policy.

Presented and accepted with changes by MSC 3/15/05

Presented and accepted by MSC 4/12/05