BULLYING PREVENTION & INTERVENTION

On January 8, 2025 two documents were unanimously approved by the School Committee:

1. An updated School Committee policy on bullying prevention and intervention 
2. An updated district bullying prevention and intervention plan

These are aligned with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 37O.

Please scroll down for information regarding how to report suspected bullying and for a summary of the district’s bullying prevention and intervention plan.

 

To Report Suspected Bullying

Anyone who has concerns is urged to report allegations of suspected bullying by speaking to a school staff member in person or by phone, or by using the electronic bullying report form linked below (preferred) or by downloading, printing, and completing the hard copy form also linked below.  Instructions are included on the forms.  The online form may be translated using Google Translate.

SPS Suspected Bullying Incident Reporting Form (Online Form) (Preferred)

SPS Suspected Bullying Incident Reporting Form (PDF to Print Hard Copy)

If you wish to speak with a school staff member or if you need assistance with either of these forms or would like to receive a hard copy, contact your school’s office or the School Department Central Office at (508) 841-8400.

 

Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Summary

1. The plan states that SPS is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning and working atmosphere free from bullying, cyberbullying, and all forms of harassment.  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.
2. The plan states that SPS will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation, in our school buildings, on school grounds, or in school-related activities. 
3. The plan states that SPS administrators will promptly investigate all reports and complaints of bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation, and take prompt action to end that behavior and restore the target’s sense of safety.
4. The plan states that all SPS staff will annually receive a copy of the plan and training on implementing the plan.
5. The plan requires the district to provide access to resources and services, such as those found in the links elsewhere on this web page.
6. The plan identifies approaches used by schools to educate about and prevent bullying behavior.
7. The plan outlines the procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to allegations of suspected bullying.
8. The plan promotes collaboration with families regarding education about bullying and annually notifying them of the plan.
9. The plan specifies that parents/guardians who are dissatisfied with a school’s response to an allegation of bullying may file a claim/concern or seek assistance outside of the district with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Program Resolution System (PRS). That information can be found at: https://www.doe.mass.edu/prs/, emails can be sent to compliance@doe.mass.edu or individuals can call 781-338-3700. Hard copies of this information are also available at the Superintendent’s office. 
10. The plan provides legal definitions of bullying and cyberbullying per Massachusetts law and references other related laws.