HARRASSMENT OR INTIMIDATION (BULLYING)
REPORTING PROCEDURE

The following information and link form was distributed to Harbour School families and all staff in
September 2009 and will appear in the 2010-11 handbook.

Harassment and intimidation (bullying) are serious and will not be tolerated at The Harbour School.

Bullying is defined as follows:

Harassment and intimidation (bullying) means conduct, including verbal conduct, that creates a hostile educational environment by substantially interfering with a student’s educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, or with a student’s physical or psychological well-being, and is motivated by an actual or a perceived personal characteristic such as race, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or disability, or is threatening or seiously intimidating.

BULLYING PROCEDURE & POLICIES

1. Forms for reporting bullying may be obtained at the front desk, from a clinician, or from the website. See form linked here . At the start of each new school year, a copy of the reporting form will be included in the annual parent pack.

2.  Administration in conjunction with clinical will investigate the alleged incident to verify those involved and the particulars of the event.

3. Neither victim nor witnesses should be promised confidentiality at the onset of an investigation.  It cannot be predicted what will be discovered or if a hearing may result from the ultimate outcome of the investigation.  Efforts should be made to increase the confidence and trust of the victim and any witnesses.  They will be informed that any information discussed and recorded will be confided to “need to know” status.

4. Parents of both the student aggrieved and the offender will be contacted. 

5. Administrators in conjunction with clinical will apply both consequences and/or remedial actions.  A continuation of the act by the offender will require further consequences.

6. A written log of the incident will be maintained, disciplinary action(s) taken, statements made, and any evidence maintained while any criminal investigation is ongoing.

7.  Separate parent conferences with parents of both the victim and offender(s) will be scheduled within a two (2) week period to discuss the event and action to be taken.  After four (4) weeks, the victim and his/her family will have a follow up conference scheduled to ensure bullying has ceased.

8.  Any criminal behavior according to COMAR 13A.08.01.15 will be reported to law enforcement.

Directions for reporting alleged harassment and intimidation (bullying):  Use the form linked here to report alleged harassment and intimidation (bullying) that occurred on school property; at a school-sponsored activity or event off school property; on a school bus; or on the way to and/or from school in the current school year.  If you are a student aggrieved or the parent/guardian of a student aggrieved and wish to report an incident of alleged harassment or intimidation (bullying), complete this form and return it to the Administrative Office at either Harbour School campus. 

Contact The Harbour School for additional information or assistance at any time at 410-974-4248 (Annapolis) or 443-394-3760 (Baltimore).

September 2009