During student lunches next week, Dr. Koop and school counselor Mr. Levine will review information about HIB to include the definition of bullying and what to do in the case of an incident. Mr. Levine will continue discussions about HIB when he visits the classes for guidance lessons. In addition, please speak to your child(ren) about this important topic. For more information about HIB, please visit the NJDOE website and review the important information below:
“Harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents that:
1. Is reasonably perceived as being motivated by either 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 disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic;
2. Takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds, as provided for in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-15.3;
3. Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students; and that
a. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to their person or damage to their property; or
b. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or
c. Creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.
The Board recognizes that bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that may involve a real or perceived power imbalance. Recognizing “a real or perceived power imbalance” may assist school officials in identifying harassment, intimidation, or bullying within the context and relative positions of the alleged aggressor and target.
“Electronic communication” means a communication transmitted by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, cellular phone, computer, or remotely activating paging device (N.J.A.C. 6A:16-1.3).
Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act
Review this document for information about the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.
