Bullying Policy
BULLY FREE SCHOOL
Bullying is the repeated and intentional act of hurting someone else. It continues over time and involves an imbalance of power. Bullying may be physical, verbal, emotional or through the internet. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated at Houghton Academy. If you or someone you know is being bullied, speak up and tell an adult you trust.
TECHNOLOGY
For the safety of students and to prevent school issues, we are encouraging parents to strictly supervise all computer/cell phone, social networking. (Examples include Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, texting). Cyber bullying can result in a suspension. All students are expected to follow the Buffalo Public School “Acceptable Use of Technology” policy while on school grounds.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTS (PBIS)
We expect positive behavior from all of our students at Houghton Academy. Below is the matrix of behaviors expected of all students within each area of the building. Students exhibiting these positive behaviors will have the opportunity to receive PBIS tickets to use for prizes. Please encourage your child to tell you about how they are displaying these positive behaviors within Houghton Academy.
Hallway | Classroom | Cafeteria | Conmputers | Lavatories | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Be | Walk on the right side of the hallway. Use a zero voice level. | Raise your hand. | Use proper manners. Follow all adult directions | Keep computer volume low. Voice level 0-1. | Respect other people's privacy. Stay in own stall. Throw paper towels in garbage can. |
Be | Keep hallways clean and clear. Go directly to your destination. | Keep desk, floor, classroom and lockers clean. | Use voice level o when lights are off. Use voice level 2 when lights are on. | Stay on appropriate websites | Wash hands for the length of the birthday song Voice level 0-1. |
Be | Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself. Follow directions Walk on the stairs. | Keep hands feet and other objects to yourself. Walk in the classroom. Keep chair legs on the floor. | Clean up area. Walk to the cafeteria. Keep hands, feet, other objects to yourself and stay seated. | Keep log in/passwords to yourself Keep personal information to yourself. | Keep feet on the floor at all times |
Be a Life- | Practice good manners. Pay attention to the hallway bulletin boards. | Have homework and materials. Participate in class. Record Daily Objectives. | Eat nutritional foods. Bring a book to read when you are finished. | Use educational websites | Read posters about good hygiene. Practice good hygiene. |
Report Bullying Online Anonymously & Confidentially
Learn how to recognize, prevent, report, and resolve bullying. Be an advocate for yourself, your school, or your child!
The DASA Coordinator for School #069 is Principal Kevin Garcia
Bullying is characterized by an imbalance of power between two students. If two students are equally engaged in an altercation, this is not a bullying situation, but instead considered a "conflict" between the two students. When an imbalance of power is present, it can be seen in small ways over a long period of time or in a large way all at one time.
Examples of a large incident is much easier to see, recognize, and address. The person who is doing the bullying has been vocal and physical to the bullying victim. He/she might threaten the other student with bodily or psychological harm and finds ways to fulfill the threat. The victim has no means of escape or is unable to fight back and is physically or emotionally harmed. Anyone who witnesses such events should report it immediately to administration. The online reporting form can also be used for this purpose.
Examples of bullying over long periods of time are much more difficult to detect and protect the student. It could include name calling, making the student the focus of jokes, cyberbullying, constantly bumping into the student, taking personal belongings of the student, threaten to harm if they tell, etc. In this situation the student victim often is quiet, tries not to make trouble, and feels he/she can handle the problem on their own. The wall of silence is represented by the student not telling any adults, and peers not stopping the bullying or telling an adult. Adults in the area may not even notice the bullying going on.
That is why we have the online reporting form. No one need know you have reported what you have seen or are experiencing. If you are a student, parent, or ANYONE who is aware of someone being bullied (it could be you), click on the link below to let the school know what is going on. The form gets emailed directly to our Principal for immediate follow-up.
The Buffalo Public Schools is committed to reducing bullying and ensuring that our schools are safe and orderly environments allowing students to grow socially and academically. Our school environments take a proactive role in nurturing students’ pro-social behavior by providing them with a range of positive behavioral supports as well as meaningful opportunities for social-emotional learning and restorative solutions.
