I. Definition of HIB: “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” is defined as any gesture, any(written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication,

Intimidation or Bullying) whether it be a single act or a series of incidents, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated by either any actual or perceived

characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability, or any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the

school or the rights of other students, and that:(a) reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of emotional harm to his/her person or damage to his/her

property; (b) has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or (c) creates a hostile educational environment at school for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student.

II. How to Report Incidents of HIB

• Call a School Counselor/Anti-Bullying Specialist – Korko Johnson at 973-399-6858 Ext 2811
• Email School Counselor/Anti-Bullying Specialist – kjohnson@irvington.k12.nj.us
• Submit a letter to the School Counselor/Anti-Bullying specialist describing the incident(s).
• Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying, (HIB), reporting can be done anonymously. (Call, email or submit a letter)

III. The Investigation Process: The HIB Specialist will:

1) Consult with an Administrator.

2) Collect and review all statements related to the incident.

3) Interview victim/offender/witnesses. (Separately)

4) Call parents of victim and offender.

5) Set up conferences/re-entries with the victim or offender and always have parents and administrators present.

6) Make use of our Mandatory Conference Parent Program or Home For Parent (HFP) for offender.

7) Make a notation in Power School or a binder under victim and offender of all actions taken. (meeting/phone calls/emails)

8) Document all anonymous reports and investigate.

9) Submit all complaints against a staff member to the Building Principal.

10) Offer counseling to victim and offender. (Health & Social Services Coordinator, Guidance Counselor (HSSC) or Child Study Team (CST).

NOTE: Victim must be seen within 48 hours.

IV. Consequences: An Administrator will:

1) Assign an appropriate level of suspension

1st offense – Home for Parent Conference

2nd Offense- 1 day Out of School Suspension (OSS)

3rd offense – 2-3 days OSS

4th Offense-5 days OSS ((Possible Central Office Intervention)

2) Notify CST if applicable.

3) Set up reentry meeting with parents, students, teacher, counselor, HSSC and CST.

4) If necessary, begin process for Intervention & Referral Services. (IR&S)

5) Follow-up with counseling for victim and offender.

V. Bystanders: A student may be found to have committed an act of bullying without being the individual who performed the overt act. Examples of this enabling type of behavior may include encouraging a bully to physically attack a student, spreading rumors, or shunning a student whom a group has ostracized. Bystanders will be subject to disciplinary action. The principal will consider the nature of the behavior before determining a remedial action and/or disciplinary consequence.

VI. Retaliation: A person who commits an act of retaliation or reprisal against the individual who reported the original act of harassment, intimidation or bullying, or an individual who falsely accuses someone of harassment, intimidation or bullying is subject to the same disciplinary consequences as the original aggressor. The level of disciplinary consequence may match the level of the original consequences given to the aggressor or may increase to the next level of consequence as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. All disciplinary sanctions will be implemented with consideration of the individual’s due process rights.

Questions or concerns related to these procedures should be directed to Ms. Andrea Tucker, Principal 973-399-6858 Ext 2803