Anti-Bullying
Statement of Purpose: The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District (the “District”) expects that all members of the school community will treat each other in a civil manner and with respect for differences.
The District is committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment that is free from bullying and cyberbullying. 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.
The District will take specific steps to create a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable populations in the school community, and provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing.
We recognize that certain students may be more vulnerable to becoming targets of bullying, harassment, or teasing based on actual or perceived characteristics, including race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, socioeconomic, status, homelessness, academic status, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, or sensory, disability, or by association with a person who has or is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics. The District will identify specific steps it will take to create a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable populations in the school community, and provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing.
The District, will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying, cyber-bullying, or retaliation, in our school buildings, on school grounds, or in school-related activities. We will investigate promptly all reports and complaints of bullying, cyber-bullying, and retaliation, and take prompt action to end that behavior and restore the target's sense of safety. We will support this commitment in all aspects of our school community, including curricula, instructional programs, Staff development, extracurricular activities, and parent or guardian involvement.
The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (the "Plan") is a comprehensive approach to addressing bullying and cyberbullying, and the district is committed to working with students, staff, families, law enforcement agencies, and the community to prevent issues of violence. In consultation with these constituencies, we have established this Plan for preventing, intervening, and responding to incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation. The Principal or his/her designees are responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Plan at their respective buildings.
Anti-Bullying and School Climate Resources
HWRSD Anti-Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
EMPATHIZE
Students will demonstrate awareness, sensitivity, concern, and respect for the culture, experiences, feelings, and opinions of all individuals. They will seek to understand and value others’ life stories to make meaningful connections.