Student / Parent Handbook

►NORTHMEAD IS A BULLYING FREE ZONE

Northmead Elementary School is a bully free zone. Students or parents can report concerns regarding any bullying to teacher or Administration via email, Parent Square or in person. These reports are taken seriously and will be investigated. 

►What's bullying?
Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words, more subtle actions, or cyberbullying.   Cyberbullying is threatening or harassing behavior conducted through such electronic technology such as cell phones, social media, including the use of instant messaging,  email, websites, chat rooms, and text messaging when used interferes with the operation of the school; or infringes upon the general health, safety and welfare of students or school employees.

Bullying of a student by another student is strictly prohibited on school property, in school buildings, on school buses, and at school sponsored events.  For purposes of this policy, the term “bullying” among children is defined:  (1) Bullying means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or misconduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils as defined in Section 48900.2, 48900.3, or 48900.4, directed toward one or more pupils that has or can be reasonably predicted  to have the effect of one or more of the following:  

(A) Placing a reasonable pupil or pupils in fear of harm to that pupil’s or those pupils’ person or property.  

(B) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantially detrimental effect to his or her physical or mental health.  

(C) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with his or her academic performance.  

(D) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

►Bullying: Its impact
All too often, someone will say that bullying is no big deal or just a stage of growing up. Both are false myths that can take a toll on the victim of bullying.

Bullying can lead to increased absences from school that can have dangerous academic repercussions in today’s increasingly demanding education environment. Additionally, the US Health and Human Services Administration reports that as they advance through the school system, victims of bullying are more likely than their peers to: 

• Drop out of school 

• Drink alcohol 

• Begin smoking 

• Be involved in fighting 

For those that bully, the result can be equally disturbing. Sixty percent of boys who were bullies in middle school had at least one criminal conviction by the age of 24, the administration reported.

►Bullying: Parents tips

Encourage your child to share his or her problems with you, understanding that this may embarrass them. Assure them that they are not going to face the problem alone.

• Encourage your child to take part in activities, such as sports, clubs or civic groups.

• Help your child with his social skills.

• Praise your child often.

• Keep in contact with your child's teachers.

• Keep a record of the bullying episodes and your contact with the school about the issue. 

• Help your child make friends.

NOTE: Please help your student understand what true bullying is, as false reports will make it difficult for school officials to address bullying in an effective manner.

►Bullying: Tips for students
If you are being bullied or you know someone who is being bullied, you can do something about it. Speak to any adult at Northmead, send an email to your teacher, Principal or Assistant Principal, or tell your parent/guardian who can notify the school. Unless the bullying is reported, nothing can be done to stop it.