MTPS HIB Address by Mr. James Rasmussen (9.29.23)

Good day parents and guardians. My name is Jim Rasmussen and I am the supervisor of student support services and the district's anti-bullying coordinator for the Middletown Township Public Schools. I'm delighted to have you join us for an important discussion about preventing bullying in our schools. Bullying is a critical issue that affects our children's well-being and their ability to succeed academically and socially. In this short discussion, we will explore New Jersey anti-bullying laws, the steps we take as a school community to prevent bullying, and actions you can take as parents and guardians to assist in preventing bullying. I want to take a moment to familiarize you with the state of New Jersey's harassment, intimidation, and bullying law and also share the proactive measures our district employs to mitigate the negative effects of HIB.

Unfortunately, bullying has evolved and now encompasses various forms that may differ from what we have experienced during our own school years. Thus, I believe it's essential to ensure that we are well informed and prepared to address these challenges effectively. New Jersey has narrowly defined its harassment, intimidation, and bullying law to include only actions perceived as being motivated by either an actual or perceived characteristic. Consequently, certain interactions among peers, although impolite and unkind, may not align with the precisely outlined parameters of the harassment, intimidation, and bullying regulations in the state of New Jersey. Nevertheless, harassment, intimidation, and bullying investigations that do not result in a conclusive founded determination yet involved behaviors which violate the student code of conduct will result in restorative and/or punitive actions for offenders. To assist those affected by such incidents, counseling services are made available to all victims throughout the investigation process. Parents are consistently informed about the alleged behaviors in question. The Middletown Township Public Schools place a high degree of importance on addressing and treating allegations of HIB with the utmost seriousness.

What do our schools do to minimize HIB? Our individual schools undertake a comprehensive approach to educate our students on anti-bullying efforts while celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of our student body. The following activities are implemented districtwide: a week of respect the first week of October, student body meetings with anti-bullying specialists and our SBSs. In elementary school, we have a positive action schoolwide curriculum to enhance school climate and culture. We have various be-kind campaigns. In our elementary schools, we offer many co-curricular clubs and activities which promote an appreciation for diversity and inclusion. We currently utilize an anonymous online reporting system to encourage bystanders and victims to report HIB allegations. We have dedicated anti-bullying specialists and school-based support services to investigate all HIB allegations. Further, we have skilled guidance counselors, child study team members, and support staff to assist our students. We also employ staff training to deter, recognize, and report any suspected incidences of HIB. We have school climate teams at every school building to promote positive school cultures. Further, our board has adopted strong policies and regulations that support our anti-bullying efforts. We utilize restorative counseling for both offenders and victims of HIB incidents to remediate the incidents and prevent future incidents. We also involve parents and guardians with immediate notification of both victims and offenders. We also utilize behavior plans for confirmed HIB offenders to avoid future incidents.

As parents and guardians, your involvement is crucial in preventing and addressing bullying. Here are some steps you can take to help create a safer school environment. Parents and guardians are encouraged to maintain open and honest communication with your students regarding their experiences in school. Parents should report suspected bullying incidents to their school's respective counselor. Be aware of the signs of bullying, such as changes in behavior, mood, or academic performance. Many instances of bullying and/or conflict occur on social media. It's a great practice to have conversations about kind and appropriate social media use with your student. As we embark on this new academic year, it's paramount that we collectively comprehend the intricacies of the HIB law and remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive educational environment for all students. By staying informed and proactive, we can contribute to the cultivation of positive school climates that minimize the negative effects of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Addressing HIB requires the combined efforts of students, school staff, parents, and the community as a whole. By taking proactive steps to promote kindness, inclusion, and empathy, we can all contribute to a safer and more positive school environment. I wish you a safe, fun-filled, and productive school year.