The Reading Public Schools are committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment that is free from bullying or 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.
We understand that members of certain student groups, such as students with disabilities, LGBTQ students, students of varying races and ethnic backgrounds, and homeless students may be more vulnerable to becoming targets of bullying, harassment, or teasing. The school and/or district will take specific steps to create a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable populations in the school community, and provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying or harassment.
We will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying, harassment, or retaliation, in our school buildings, on school grounds, or in school-related activities. We will promptly investigate all reports and complaints of bullying, harassment or retaliation, and take prompt action to end that behavior and restore the target’s sense of safety. We will support this commitment in all aspects of our school community, including curricula, instructional programs, staff development, extracurricular activities, and parent/guardian involvement.
The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan is a comprehensive approach to addressing bullying and harassment, and the school or district is committed to working with students, staff, families, law enforcement agencies, and the community. In consultation with these constituencies, we have established this Plan for preventing, intervening, and responding to incidents of bullying, harassment, and retaliation.
The school or district expects students, parents or guardians, and others who witness or become aware of an instance of bullying or retaliation involving a student to report it to the principal or designee. Reports may be made anonymously, but no disciplinary action will be taken against an alleged aggressor solely on the basis of an anonymous report. Students, parents or guardians, and others may request assistance from a staff member to complete a written report. Students will be provided practical, safe, private and age-appropriate ways to report and discuss an incident of bullying with a staff member, or with the principal or designee. Reports may be made through the RPS online form, available here or by making a report verbally or in writing to the student’s principal or designee. The full text of the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan is here.Reading School Committee Policy Manual, Section JICFB.
From Page 5 of Student Handbook