Q. Where is bullying prohibited?
A. Bullying is prohibited:
On school grounds and on property immediately adjacent to school grounds;
At school-sponsored or school-related functions, whether on or off school grounds;
On school buses or other vehicles owned, leased or used by the school district, and at school bus stops;
Through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, licensed or used by the school; and
At non-school related locations and through non-school technology or electronic devices, if the bullying materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
Q. Who can report bullying?
A. Reports can by made by students, parents and guardians, or other individuals. These reports may be made anonymously.
Q. What should I do if I witness an instances of bullying or bullying is reported to me?
A. Staff members have an obligation to intervene to interrupt any behavior approaching bullying as a matter of student safety. In addition, a teacher might implement a consequence that is in keeping with the teacher's classroom management practices or school discipline code.
Immediately assess the need to restore a sense of safety to the alleged target and others.
Provide a setting away from the alleged aggressor.
Provide resources to de-escalate if necessary.
Collect pertinent information.
Notify an administrator (typically the Assistant Head of School) for guidance.
Draft and submit a bullying report if bullying is suspected. If bullying is suspected, a report must be submitted.
Always be mindful that the term "bullying" is frequently used inaccurately by both students and parents. For this reason, it is best practice to receive guidance from an administrator after the alleged victim's safety is secured.
Q. How can bullying be reported?
A. Reports can be made orally or in writing, however, oral reports by or to a staff member must be recorded in writing. Staff are encouraged to provide initial reports using the Bullying and Harassment Report Form. Staff are encouraged to assist students who are filing reports. An additional incident report may be requested in some instances, especially if you are a witness to an incident of bullying or harassment.
Q. What steps are taken following an official bullying report?
A. Once a bullying report is filed, a bullying investigation begins. The Assistant Head of School serves as the primary investigator, but in certain circumstances, the Head of School may lead the investigation. In rare circumstances, a designee may be appointed.
As an initial step, an assessment will be conducted to determine if the report is credible. Once deemed credible, the following measures will be taken:
Reasonable safeguards will be put into place to ensure safety (usually for not fewer than 30 days). These safeguards include but are not limited to:
Modifications to seating to ensure separation in classes
Required separation during unstructured time
Additional close monitoring
A point person assigned to the victim
Caregivers and staff will be notified.
Interviews will be conducted, generally in the following order:
Complainants
Victim(s)
Witnesses
Accused individuals
All interviews will be conducted individually. When possible, complainants, victims, and witnesses should be kept separate until all interviews are concluded, and any interactions closely monitored. While the order of interviews is subject to change, generally the accused individuals are interviewed last.
If there are no findings of bullying or harassment, safeguards may be left in place or lifted at the discretion of the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, or other designee.
Upon findings of bullying or harassment, investigating staff will make a collective decision about next steps.
Caregivers of all involved parties will be notified.
The Head of School, Assistant Head of School, or designee, in collaboration with other staff as necessary, will make a determination of whether current safeguards should be maintained or extended, if additional safeguards are needed, and additional suggested consequences that should be imposed pending an in-person meeting with the student and their caregivers.
Q. Are there specific implications for students with IEP’s in the law?
A. Yes. DESE provides a comprehensive guide on their site: Addressing the Needs of Students with Disabilities in the IEP and in School Bullying Prevention and Intervention Efforts.
Special education teams are required to take these guidelines into account. This includes a particular focus on the needs of students with autism spectrum disorders or students whose disability affects social skills development. The Student Services Director will ensure that IEP teams appropriately respond to the Marblehead Charter's obligations under the law.
Q. What counseling resources are available to students?
A. Marblehead Charter has a variety of resources within the school and community. The Marblehead Charter School utilizes guidance counselors and school psychologists to assist in developing safety plans for students who have been targets of bullying or retaliation, providing social skills programs to prevent bullying, and offering education and/or intervention services for students exhibiting bullying behaviors. The Marblehead Charter School utilizes a variety of tools including, but not limited to, behavioral intervention plans, social skills groups, and individually focused curricula.
Q. Are referrals ever made to outside agencies?
A. Marblehead Charter has a referral protocol for referring students and families to access appropriate services. This may include but is not limited to the Marblehead Police Department.