The Massachusetts Legislature has passed a law addressing bullying and cyber bullying in schools.  Consistent with this law, we are asking that parents/guardians immediately inform school personnel (e.g., your child’s teacher, or an administrator) of suspected bullying behavior directed towards your child or another child. This law defines “bullying” as any repeated overt acts by a student or group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate, harass or intimidate the other student while on school grounds (including on transportation vehicles) or at school sponsored activities. You may formally notify school personnel in writing or feel free to call either your child’s teacher or an administrator. 

When possible, please encourage your son/daughter to file a report if they feel they have been bullied or if they have witnessed another student being bullied. Bullying behavior is prohibited by our student discipline policy/codes of conduct and may lead to disciplinary action, including suspension from school (or in more severe cases, expulsion from the school district). The new law requires us to notify parents/guardians of students who commit any verified acts of bullying and the parents/guardians of students against whom such acts were directed.

We are aware that incidents of bullying are rarely committed in view of supervising adults.  Victims are most vulnerable in situations beyond the eyes of staff; such as on school grounds, buses, restrooms, and bus stops. The most likely adult to be informed by a victim is the parent. Parents are often reluctant to inform the school due to the student’s fear of retaliation. Without parent involvement, the school personnel will be uninformed and unable to intervene to stop this behavior. It is vital that school staff and parents continue to work together to protect the safe environment of our school programs. It is important for you to know that, consistent with this law, your child may anonymously report acts of bullying to our teachers, other educational personnel and /or an administrator.

Sincerely,