This web page provides information on the District's Policy and Procedures regarding Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying.  Several years ago, there were significant changes in the state law and District Policy in the area of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying.  This law was called the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.  These changes include reporting requirements, duties for certain staff members and the necessity for training staff, volunteers and students. Most recently, in October of 2022, the Board of Education adopted further updates to the District Policy on HIB in response to revisions in the law.  These revisions include: the use of particular Department of Education forms; the need for students and parents/guardians to undergo training after repeated HIB offenses and the requirement that the investigative report for a confirmed case of HIB be included in the aggressor's record.

The Anti Bullying law provides for the observance of the Week of Respect.  Every year, the district plans activities for the Week of Respect as well as School Violence Awareness Week and Red Ribbon Week.  The Anti Bullying law also requires that each school perform a self assessment annually to rate how well the school responds to reports of Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying.  Each school's score and the district score, which is an average of the school scores, are then acknowledged by the Board of Education and submitted to the Department of Education.   

A list of the contact information for the District Anti Bullying Coordinator and the School Level Anti Bullying Specialists is provided.  The NJ Department of Education has also established a central person as a resource for information on HIB, that is the School Climate State Coordinator.  To report an incident of Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying, you may print the HIB Incident Form for Families form found to the right of this page or the HIB Incident form for Districts and submit them to the school or click here to report an incident on-line.  This report may be anonymous.  Related documents and other policies in the area of harassment, intimidation and bullying are provided below.

If you have any questions about the content of this web page, or have any suggestions for information that you would like to see here, please contact Mary L. Clark, Senior Manager, Policies, Regulations and Communications, via telephone 732-873-2400 Ext. 206 or Email Mary L. Clark

Related documents, policies and regulations:

Code of Conduct 2022-2023

Policies and Regulations:
Conduct and Discipline -  Policy 5600;  Regulation 5600:  
Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying - Policy 5512
Hostigamiento, Intimidacion y Acoso - Poliza 5512

Activities planned (which normally occur in the month of October) for the Week of Respect; School Violence Awareness Week; and Red Ribbon Week throughout the District can be found below.

Please check back throughout the school year to view current events.

The District Anti-Bullying Coordinator, in consultation with the school Anti-Bullying Specialists, the District Positive Behavioral Specialist, and members of the technology department, created the following forms.  

Form One:  The most recent amendments to the HIB Law require districts to use a centralized Reporting Form for acts of Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying.  There is a form for student families in a pdf and word version and a form to be utilized by district staff.  In addition to information on the parties involved in the incident, this form contains categories for the location, and type of behavior demonstrated by those involved.  The information in these categories is tracked on the HIB report submitted to the Board of Education at Board meetings and is reviewed by the school and District level safety teams.  

Form Two:  The  Investigation Form for acts of Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying  is filled out by the Anti Bullying Specialist as he or she completes their investigation.  Ultimately, the Anti Bullying Specialist will note their recommendation as to whether an act of HIB occurred and their rationale for the  recommendation.  The building principal will then determine if an act of HIB occurred, arrange for counseling and, where applicable, disciplinary action and forward the completed form to the Superintendent. 

Form Three:  The School Level Safety Team Form  is reviewed by the safety team.  Every school has a Safety Team comprised of a guidance counselor (Anti-Bullying Specialist), building administrator, safety officer and other staff members.  They meet monthly to review office discipline referrals, HIB reports and other safety matters.  The attached report guides the review of HIB reports during these meetings.