Rationale: The purpose of the ISAAC Board of Directors policy on bullying is to promote consistency of approach and to create a climate in which all types of bullying are regarded as unacceptable. Attitudes and practices can contribute to bullying, to lower levels of confidence, self-esteem and lack of achievement.

Aims: The anti-bullying program within ISAAC seeks to accomplish the following goals:

• To promote a secure and happy environment free from threat, harassment and any type of bullying behavior.
• To take positive action to prevent bullying from occurring
• To inform parents and students of the school’s expectations and to foster a productive partnership which helps to maintain a bully-free environment
• To make staff aware of their role in fostering the knowledge and attitudes which will be required to achieve the above aims.

Definition of bullying: Bullying, as defined by Connecticut statute is “any overt acts by a student or a group of students against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate or intimidate the other students while on school grounds or at a school sponsored activity which acts are repeated against the same student over time.” It can also be defined as repeated and systematic harassment and attacks on others, perpetrated by individuals or groups. Bullying takes many forms and can include many different behaviors, such as but not limited to:

• physical violence and attacks
• verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs including ethnically-based and gender-based verbal put-downs
• threats and intimidation
• extortion or stealing of money and/or possessions
• exclusion from peer groups within the school

Response to alleged acts of bullying
1. Students may report bullying situations anonymously to members of the school staff including the Director, Head Teacher, Social Worker or a Team Teacher.
2. Parents/guardians may report bullying situations to members of the school staff in writing
3. Student and/or parent/guardian reports shall be reported to the school administration.
4. School administrators shall investigate in a timely fashion parents’ written reports and review students’ anonymous reports to determine the action required.
5. Written notice shall be provided to the parents/guardians of a child involved in a verified act of bullying. The notice shall describe the school’s response and any consequences that may result from further acts of bullying.
6. A list shall be maintained in the Director’s office of verified bullying acts and actions taken.
7. Language about bullying and the scope of the policy shall be included in all student/parent/employee handbooks.

Consequences:

• Students who engage in acts of bullying at school or any other school-related function are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including detention, removal of privileges, suspension, expulsion or referral to law enforcement officials.
• Students will work with the school social worker and peers to discuss in an educational forum the effects of bullying.
• Community service may be assigned with a community mentor.
• A parent conference with all parties.
• Involve victims in groups and situations in which they can make appropriate friends and develop social skills and confidence (e.g., facilitated by the school social worker, peer support groups, new student orientation group, class cooperative learning group, special activity group or club). The goals are to develop the child’s peer support network, social and other skills and confidence. Specific instruction in assertiveness may also be helpful.
• For the bully(ies), provide specific re-education regarding his/her/their behavior, in addition to sanction such as removal of privileges, detention, etc.