Message on Bullying & Cyberbullying

 Dear Parents,

Schools are intended to be safe and nurturing places for students, school leaders, and faculty. The Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School (REACS) is dedicated to ensuring the school remains a secure learning environment for all students. Unfortunately, bullying is a serious issue that every school in the nation faces and REACS is not an exception. Nationwide research shows that more than half of all school~aged children will be involved in bullying as a victim or a perpetrator with many more students witnessing bullying acts on a regular basis.

 

"We believe in working together with parents to combat bullying and cyber-bullying in any form."

 At the Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School (REACS), We believe in working together with parents to combat bullying and cyber-bullying in any form. Bullying and cyber bullying isn't confined to school grounds. Bullying at School affects and is affected by what happens at home between siblings, what happens in the neighborhood, and what happens when kids go online. We must work together to take immediate action, whether a child bullies, is a victim of bullying, or is a witness to bullying. In October, the school leadership devised workshops and information sessions to parents and students in order to educate everyone on the different aspects of bullying, including recognizing the signs of bullying. It is our hope at REACS to take a proactive course of action to prevent further incidences of bullying. Therefore ongoing anti-bullying campaigns will be conducted to foster an environment where all students and staff feel protected. As a reminder, the following is a brief overview of the topics discussed in the workshops. Please take the liberty to use this information to facilitate conversations related to this area with your children.

 

Definitions:

Bullying shall mean unwelcome Verbal, Written or physical conduct directed at a student by another student that has the effect of:

  • Physically, emotionally or mentally harming a Student   
  • Damaging, extorting or taking a student’s personal property   
  • Placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to or loss of personal property   
  • Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities


Cyber-Bullying includes but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student or staff member by Way of any technological tool, such as sending or posting inappropriate or derogatory email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings (including blogs) which has the effect of:

  •  Physically, emotionally or mentally harming a Student   
  • Placing a Student in reasonable fear of physical, emotional or mental harm   
  • Placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to or loss of personal property   
  • Creating an intimidating or hostile


Appropriate disciplinary action will occur if any student that engages in bullying or cyber-bullying behaviors as outlined in the New York City Department of Education Citywide Standards of Intervention and Discipline Measures take place. The Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School recognizes that parents are important partners in promoting a safe and supportive school environment; therefore it is important that you and your child are familiar with the Student Intervention and Discipline Code. You can find additional copies for your reference on our website at www.reacschool.com. Also attached are additional tools that may help you in this discussion with your child(ren).

Thank you in advance for your co-operation in this matter. If you have any questions you can contact me or your child’s teacher directly.