What a surprise, MCPS sweeping bullying issues under the rug. I am referring to major bullying too as I know of parents whose kid was harassed all year by the same bully (he is now at another school). I know of another child who was verbally threatened with a weapon and nothing was done. This was a first grader.
I encourage all parents I know to complete the Bullying Incidence Form that was developed under the Safe Schools Act of 2005 and comes from the Maryland State Department of Education if for no other reason than to be a nuisance to your administration as it forces them to investigate your incident with all parties involved including witnesses and to file the paperwork with the county and I believe the state. I don't think it makes them happy:) You keep a copy for your records as well so if the bullying continues, you have a record of exactly what happened.
Here is what the form says about bullying:
Bullying, harassment, or intimidation are serious and will not be tolerated. This is a form to report alleged bullying, harassment, or intimidation that occurred on school property; at a school-sponsored activity or event off school property; on a school bus; or on the way to and/or from school*, in the current school year. If you are a student victim, the parent/guardian of a student victim, a close adult relative of a student victim, or a school staff member and wish to report an incident of alleged bullying, harassment or intimidation, complete this form and return it to the Principal at the student victim’s school. Contact the school for additional information or assistance at any time.
Note the information above about when and where bullying can take place, it is not just during school hours which is important as I have had friends whose children were bullying during after-school activities on school property and were told that nothing could be done by the administration to help them. It was a kindergartener being bullyed by a fourth grader.
The form is available in 7 different languages, so it is important to encourage everyone to file it whenever necessary. Below is a link to the Web site:
The state told MCPS to share this with parents this year and according to teacher friends it was being shared at back-to-school nights. I know it wasn't shared at my sons' back-to-school night, however it was sent home in a packet so I can guarantee most parents at our school still aren't aware of it.
What a surprise, MCPS sweeping bullying issues under the rug. I am referring to major bullying too as I know of parents whose kid was harassed all year by the same bully (he is now at another school). I know of another child who was verbally threatened with a weapon and nothing was done. This was a first grader.
ReplyDeleteI encourage all parents I know to complete the Bullying Incidence Form that was developed under the Safe Schools Act of 2005 and comes from the Maryland State Department of Education if for no other reason than to be a nuisance to your administration as it forces them to investigate your incident with all parties involved including witnesses and to file the paperwork with the county and I believe the state. I don't think it makes them happy:) You keep a copy for your records as well so if the bullying continues, you have a record of exactly what happened.
Here is what the form says about bullying:
Bullying, harassment, or intimidation are serious and will not be tolerated. This is a form to report alleged bullying, harassment, or intimidation that occurred on school property; at a school-sponsored activity or event off school property; on a school bus; or on the way to and/or from school*, in the current school year. If you are a student victim, the parent/guardian of a student victim, a close adult relative of a student victim, or a school staff member and wish to report an incident of alleged bullying, harassment or intimidation, complete this form and return it to the Principal at the student victim’s school. Contact the school for additional information or assistance at any time.
Note the information above about when and where bullying can take place, it is not just during school hours which is important as I have had friends whose children were bullying during after-school activities on school property and were told that nothing could be done by the administration to help them. It was a kindergartener being bullyed by a fourth grader.
The form is available in 7 different languages, so it is important to encourage everyone to file it whenever necessary. Below is a link to the Web site:
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/forms/230-35.shtm
The state told MCPS to share this with parents this year and according to teacher friends it was being shared at back-to-school nights. I know it wasn't shared at my sons' back-to-school night, however it was sent home in a packet so I can guarantee most parents at our school still aren't aware of it.