St. Brendan's Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
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I. Introduction 
St. Brendan School (the "School") acknowledges that its purpose for existence is rooted in the mission of the Church. In fulfilling its role within the educational mission of the Church, the School must share and live out, through Catholic Christian tradition, the message of Jesus Christ and be committed to providing an integrated Catholic educational environment that permeates all aspects of its daily life and operations. Each child must be challenged to reach his/her full potential by fostering in each child a love of learning and by providing an environment that also fosters respect and understanding of one another. In this regard, it is essential that a safe, positive and productive educational environment be established where students can attain the highest academic achievement and where no student shall be subjected to Bullying, Cyber-Bullying or Retaliation. Bullying, Cyber-Bullying or Retaliation or other similar disruptive or violent behaviors constitute conduct that disrupts both a student's ability to learn and the School's ability to educate its students in a safe and embracing environment.  The School's Staff is expected to demand that all students behave appropriately and treat others with civility and respect.  Bullying, Cyber-Bullying and Retaliation are not to be tolerated.

Accordingly, the School hereby promulgates this Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (the "Plan") as required by the Archdiocese of Boston Bullying Prevention Policy (the "RCAB Bullying Prevention Policy").

II. Definition 

For purposes of this Plan, the following definitions shall apply:

“Alleged Aggressor or Alleged Bully”, means a student who allegedly engages in Bullying or Retaliation.

“Bullying” is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at a specific person that:

  • causes physical or emotional harm to said person or damage to the said person’s property;
  • places the targeted student  in reasonable fear of harm to him/herself, or of damage to his/her property;
  • creates a Hostile Environment at School for that student;
  • infringes on the rights of the student at the School; or
  • materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of the School.

By way of example only, Bullying may involve, but is not limited to:

  • unwanted teasing
  • threatening
  • intimidating
  • stalking
  • Cyber-Stalking
  • physical violence
  • theft
  • sexual, religious, racial or any other type of harassment
  • public humiliation
  • destruction of School or personal property
  • social exclusion, including incitement and/or coercion
  • rumor or spreading of falsehoods

For the purpose of this Plan, whenever the term “Bullying” is used it is to denote either Bullying or Cyber-Bullying (as defined below).

“Cyber-Bullying” means Bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a:

  • wire
  • radio
  • electromagnetics
  • photo-electronic or photo-optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications.

Cyber-Bullying shall also include the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or knowingly impersonates another person as author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of Bullying.

 

Cyber-Bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of Bullying.

 

“Hostile Environment” means a situation in which Bullying causes the School environment to be permeated with intimidation, ridicule or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of the student’s education.

 

“Retaliation” means any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who reports Bullying, provides information during an investigation of Bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about Bullying.

 

“School Grounds” mean property on which a School building or facility is located or property that is owned, leased or used by a School for a School-sponsored activity, function, program, instruction or training.

 

“Staff” includes, but is not limited to, educators, faculty, administrators, counselors, School nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular activities, support staff, and paraprofessionals.

 

“Student Bullied”, means a student against whom Bullying or Retaliation has allegedly been perpetrated.

 

III. Leadership 

Leadership at all levels of the School community has played a critical role in developing and implementing this Plan in the context of other School efforts to promote a positive School climate.  The Plan has been developed in consultation with the Pastor, School Staff, School volunteers, community representatives, local law enforcement agencies, students, parents, and guardians.  Families of students currently attending the School were able to provide input on the Plan before the Plan was adopted by the School.  We all have a primary role in teaching students to be civil to one another and promoting understanding of and respect for diversity and difference.  The Principal and designated members of the Staff, working under the oversight of the Pastor, are collectively responsible for setting priorities and for staying up-to-date with current research on ways to prevent and effectively respond to Bullying.  It is also the responsibility of the Principal and such designees to involve representatives from the greater School and local community in developing, implementing and periodically reviewing the Plan.

  1. Assessing needs and resources.  The Plan is intended to be the School's blueprint for enhancing capacity to prevent and respond to issues of Bullying within the context of other healthy School climate initiatives.  As part of the planning process, School leaders, with input from families and the Staff, have assessed the adequacy of current programs; reviewed current policies and procedures; reviewed available data on Bullying and behavioral incidents; and assessed available resources including curricula, training programs, and behavioral health services.  This “mapping” process has assisted the School in identifying resource gaps and the most significant areas of need.  Based on these findings, the School has revised or developed policies and procedures; established partnerships with community agencies, including law enforcement; and set priorities.
  2. Planning and oversight.  The Principal, in consultation with the pastor shall be responsible for receiving reports on Bullying; collecting and analyzing building- and/or School-wide data on Bullying to assess the present problem and to measure improved outcomes creating a process for recording and tracking incident reports, and for accessing information related to those allegedly being bullied and those allegedly bullied, planning for ongoing professional development;  planning supports that respond to the needs of Targets and Aggressors;  choosing and implementing the curricula that the School will use; developing new or revising current policies and protocols under the Plan, including an Internet safety policy, and designating key Staff to be in charge of implementation of them;  amending student and Staff handbooks and codes of conduct;  leading the parent or family engagement efforts and  reviewing and updating the Plan each year.
  3. Priorities.  Our Priority Statement is: 
    St. Brendan School is committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment that is     free from Bullying.  This commitment is an integral part of our comprehensive efforts to promote learning, and to prevent and eliminate all forms of Bullying and other harmful and disruptive behavior that can impede the learning process.  We will take specific steps to create a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable populations in the School community, and provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to Bullying.

    We will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of Bullying or Retaliation, in our School, on School Grounds, or in School-related activities.  We will investigate promptly all reports and complaints of Bullying and Retaliation and take prompt action to end that behavior and restore the Target’s sense of safety.  We will support this commitment in all aspects of our School community, including curricula, instructional programs, Staff development, extracurricular activities, and parent or guardian involvement.  

    This Plan is a comprehensive approach to addressing Bullying, and the St. Brendan School is committed to working with students, Staff, families, law enforcement agencies, and the community to prevent issues of violence. The Principal, working under the oversight of the Pastor is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Plan.

IV. Prohibition Against Bullying and Retaliation   

Bullying is prohibited:

  • On School Grounds owned, leased or used by a School;
  • On property immediately adjacent to School Grounds;
  • At any School-sponsored or School-related activity, function or program whether on or off School Grounds;
  • At a School bus stop;
  • On a School bus or any other vehicle owned, leased or used by the School; or,
  • Through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by the School;

Bullying is also prohibited at a location, activity, function or program that is not School-related or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by the School if the act or acts in question:

  • create a Hostile Environment at School for the a student allegedly being bullied;
  • infringe on the rights of the student allegedly being bullied at School; or
  • materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of the School.

Retaliation against any person who reports Bullying or Retaliation provides information during an investigation of Bullying or Retaliation, or witnesses or has reliable information about Bullying or Retaliation is also prohibited.


V. Training and Professional Development 

The requirements under Massachusetts General Laws,  Ch. 71, § 37O,  require annual Staff training regarding the Plan but DO NOT require non-public Schools, such as St. Brendan School, to provide ongoing professional development for all Staff, including, but not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, School nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular activities, and paraprofessionals.  However, if the School determines that such professional development is desirable and capable of being delivered within the School’s budget, it will be offered.

 

A key aspect of promoting positive School climates is ensuring that the underlying emotional needs of those bullying and those being bullied, families, and others are addressed.  Support and services necessary to meet the emotional needs of those bullying and those being bullied may be suggested and encouraged to parents and legal guardians.

 

VI. Policies and Procedures for Reporting and Responding to Bullying Retaliation 

  1. Reporting Bullying or Retaliation.  Reports of Bullying or Retaliation may be made by Staff, students, parents or guardians, or others, and may be oral or written.  Oral reports made by or to a Staff member shall be recorded in writing.  A School Staff member is required to report immediately to the Principal or designee any instance of Bullying or Retaliation the Staff member becomes aware of or witnesses.  Reports made by students, parents or guardians, or other individuals who are not School Staff members may be made anonymously.  Upon receipt of a report of bullying, the School will: 1) include a copy of the Incident Reporting Form in the beginning of the year packets for students and parents or guardians; 2) make it available in the School’s main office and other locations determined by the Principal or designee; and 3) post it on the School’s website.  The Incident Reporting Form will be made available in the most prevalent language(s) of origin of students and parents or guardians.
     
    At the beginning of each School year, the School will provide the School community, including administrators, Staff, students, and parents or guardians, with written notice of its policies for reporting acts of Bullying and Retaliation.  A description of the  reporting procedures and resources, including the name and contact information of the Principal or designee, will be incorporated in student and Staff handbooks, on the School website, and in information about the Plan that is made available to parents or guardians.

    1. Reporting by Staff

    A Staff member will report immediately to the Principal or designee when he/she witnesses or becomes aware of conduct that may be Bullying or Retaliation.  The requirement to report to the Principal or designee does not limit the authority of the Staff member to respond to behavioral or disciplinary incidents consistent with School policies and procedures for behavior management and discipline.

    2. Reporting by Students, Parents or Guardians, and Others 

    The School expects students, parents or guardians, and others who witness or become aware of an instance of Bullying or Retaliation involving a student to report it to the Principal or designee.  Reports may be made anonymously, but no disciplinary action will be taken against an alleged bully solely on the basis of an anonymous report.  Students, parents or guardians, and others may request assistance from a Staff member to complete a written report.  Students will be provided practical, safe, private and age-appropriate ways to report and discuss an incident of Bullying with a Staff member, or with the Principal or designee.

  2. Responding to a report of Bullying or Retaliation

    1. Safety

    Before fully investigating the allegations of Bullying or Retaliation, the Principal or designee will take steps to assess the need to restore a sense of safety to the alleged bullied student and/or to protect the student from possible further incidents.  Responses to promote safety may include, but not be limited to, creating a personal safety plan; pre-determining seating arrangements for the students involved, in the classroom, at lunch, or on the bus and identifying a Staff member who will act as a “safe person” for the alleged bullied student. The Principal or designee will implement appropriate strategies for protecting  from Bullying or Retaliation a student who has reported Bullying or Retaliation, a student who has witnessed Bullying or Retaliation, a student who provides information during an investigation, or a student who has reliable information about a reported act of Bullying or Retaliation.

    2. Obligations to Notify Others

    a. Notice to parents or guardians. Upon determining that Bullying or Retaliation has occurred, the Principal or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the students involved in the bullying episode of this, and of the procedures for responding to it.  There may be circumstances in which the Principal or designee contacts parents or guardians prior to any investigation.  Notice will be consistent with state regulations and 603 CMR 49.00.

    b. Notice to Another School.  If the reported incident involves students from more than one School district, charter School, non-public School, approved private special education day or residential School, or collaborative School, the Principal or designee first informed of the incident will promptly notify by telephone the Principal or designee of the other School(s) of the incident so that each School may take appropriate action.  All communications will be in accordance with state and federal privacy laws and regulations, and 603 CMR 49.00.

    c. Notice to Law Enforcement. At any point after receiving a report of Bullying or Retaliation, including after an investigation, if the Principal or designee has a reasonable basis to believe that criminal charges may be pursued against the alleged bully, the Principal will notify the local law enforcement agency.  Notice will be consistent with the requirements of 603 CMR 49.00 and locally established agreements with the local law enforcement agency.  Also, if an incident occurs on School grounds and involves a former student under the age of 21 who is no longer enrolled in School, the Principal or designee shall contact the local law enforcement agency if he or she has a reasonable basis to believe that criminal charges may be pursued against the bullied student.

    In making this determination, the Principal will, consistent with the Plan and with applicable School policies and procedures, consult with the School resource officer, if any, and other individuals the Principal or designee deems appropriate (including, but not limited to, the Office of the General Counsel of the Archdiocese).

  3.  Investigation.  The Principal or designee will investigate promptly all reports of Bullying or Retaliation and, in doing so, will consider all available information known, including the nature of the allegation(s) and the ages of the students involved.

    During the investigation the Principal or designee will, among other things, interview students, Staff, witnesses, parents or guardians, and others as necessary. The Principal or designee (or whoever is conducting the investigation) will remind the students and witnesses involved that Retaliation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

    Procedures for investigating reports of Bullying and Retaliation will be consistent with School policies and procedures for investigations.

  4. Determinations.  The Principal or designee will make a determination based upon all of the facts and circumstances.  If, after investigation, Bullying or Retaliation is substantiated, the Principal or designee will take steps reasonably calculated to prevent recurrence and to ensure that the alleged bullied student is not restricted in participating in School or in benefiting from School activities.  The Principal or designee will: 1) determine what remedial action is required, if any, and 2) determine what responsive actions and/or disciplinary action is necessary.

    Depending upon the circumstances, the Principal or designee may choose to consult with the students’ teacher(s) and/or School counselor, and the students’ parents or guardians, to identify any underlying social or emotional issue(s) that may have contributed to the Bullying behavior and to assess the level of need for additional social skills development.

    The Principal or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the students involved about the results of the investigation and, if Bullying or Retaliation is found, what action is being taken to prevent further acts of Bullying or Retaliation.  All notice to parents must comply with applicable Massachusetts and federal privacy laws and regulations.  Because of the legal requirements regarding the confidentiality of student records, the Principal or designee cannot report specific information to the parent or guardian about the disciplinary action taken unless it involves a “stay away” order or other directive that the bullied student must be aware of in order to report violations.

  5. Responses to Bullying

    1. Teaching Appropriate Behavior Through Skills-building

    Upon the Principal or designee determining that Bullying or Retaliation has occurred, the law requires that the School use a range of responses that balance the need for accountability with the need to teach appropriate behavior such as: 
  • implementing a range of academic and nonacademic positive behavioral supports to help students understand pro-social ways to achieve their goals;
  • meeting with parents and guardians to engage parental support and to reinforce the anti-Bullying curricula and social skills building activities at home;
  • adopting behavioral plans to include a focus on developing specific social skills; and
  • making a referral for evaluation.

          2. Taking Disciplinary Actions 


If the Principal or designee decides that disciplinary action is appropriate, the disciplinary action will be determined on the basis of facts found by the Principal or designee, including the nature of the conduct, the age of the student(s) involved, and the need to balance accountability with the teaching of appropriate behavior.  Discipline will be consistent with the Plan and with the School’s code of conduct.

Discipline procedures for students with disabilities may be governed by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which should be read in cooperation with Massachusetts laws regarding student discipline.

 

If the Principal or designee determines that a student knowingly made a false allegation of Bullying or Retaliation, that student may be subject to disciplinary action.

3. Promoting Safety for the Bullied Student and Others

The Principal or designee will consider what adjustments, if any, are needed in the School environment to enhance the bullied student’s sense of safety and that of others as well.

 

Within a reasonable period of time following the determination and the ordering of remedial and/or disciplinary action, the Principal or designee will contact the students involved to determine whether there has been a recurrence of the prohibited conduct and whether additional supportive measures are needed.  If so, the Principal or designee will work with appropriate School Staff to implement them immediately.


VII. Collaboration with Families

  1. Notification Requirements.  Each year the School will inform parents or guardians of enrolled students about the anti-Bullying curricula that are being used. This notice will include information about the dynamics of Bullying, including Cyber-Bullying and online safety.

VIII. Relationship to Other Laws

Consistent with Massachusetts and federal laws, and the policies of the School, nothing in the Plan prevents the School from taking action to remediate discrimination or harassment based on a person’s membership in a legally protected category under local, Massachusetts, or federal law, or School policies.

In addition, nothing in the Plan is designed or intended to limit the authority of the School to take disciplinary action or other action under Mass. Gen. Laws. Ch. 71, Section 37O (d) (v), other applicable laws, or local School policies in response to violent, harmful, or disruptive behavior, regardless of whether the Plan covers the behavior.

In no event should the Plan be construed in any way so as to limit or modify the obligation of mandated reporters to timely make required so-called 51A Reports where appropriate.