James Rasmussen on restorative counseling
From MTPS HIB Address by Mr. James Rasmussen (9.29.23) · · Middletown Township Public Schools
“We utilize restorative counseling for both offenders and victims of HIB incidents to remediate the incidents and prevent future incidents, and we also utilize behavior plans for confirmed HIB offenders to avoid future incidents.”
On , James Rasmussen, Senior Vice President of Admissions & Group VP at LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, spoke about restorative counseling during MTPS HIB Address by Mr. James Rasmussen (9.29.23) on Middletown Township Public Schools.
About James Rasmussen
James Rasmussen, identified as the supervisor of student support services and the district's anti-bullying coordinator for the Middletown Township Public Schools, delivered an address on September 29, 2023, regarding the district's approach to harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB). He stated that New Jersey's HIB law is "narrowly defined" to include only actions motivated by an actual or perceived characteristic, and noted that behaviors violating the student code of conduct but not meeting the HIB definition still result in restorative or punitive actions. Rasmussen described districtwide efforts including a Week of Respect, student body meetings, a positive action curriculum, anonymous online reporting, and restorative counseling for both victims and offenders. Rasmussen emphasized the importance of parent and guardian involvement, encouraging open communication with students and reporting suspected bullying to school counselors. He also highlighted that many instances of bullying occur on social media and recommended conversations about appropriate social media use. He stated that the district places "a high degree of importance" on addressing HIB allegations and that addressing the issue requires combined efforts from students, staff, parents, and the community.