Fulton Focus
For the parents and patrons of the Fulton School District
August 26, 2016
New Bullying Legislation
Dear Parents:
The Fulton Teachers and Administrators consistently strive to provide a safe learning environment for all children. For several years, the Board of Education has directed specific prohibitions against hazing and bullying through Board of Education Policy JFCF. In addition, two years ago the district established a bullying reporting process on the FPS mobile app which can be reported anonymously or documented with information for administrative investigation.
Today, I am writing to inform you of recent legislation, (HB 1583) whereby the Missouri State Legislature has redefined bullying effective August 28, 2016. The new definition of bullying is:
- Intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, OR harassment that is repetitive, OR is substantially likely to be repeated, AND (1) causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; (2) substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities, or benefits of any student without exception; or (3) substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.
- May consist of physical actions, including gestures, or oral, cyberbullying, electronic, or written communication, and any threat of retaliation for reporting such acts.
- Bullying of students is prohibited on school property, at any school function, or on a school bus.
- Cyberbullying means bullying as defined in this subsection through the transmission of communication including, but not limited to a message, text, sound, or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager.
In addition, bullying victims will be educated on techniques to overcome the negative effects of bullying. This includes:
- School counselors, licensed social workers, mental health professionals, and school psychologists.
- Techniques must include, but not limited to the following:
- Cultivating student self-worth and self-esteem
- Teaching students to defend themselves “assertively and effectively”
- Helping students develop social skills
- Encouraging students to develop “an internal locus of control”
The Fulton Public School District is working through our policy service provider to ensure Policy JFCF specifically incorporates all points of the new state statute. The current policy substantially covers bullying, but will be enhanced. Upon completion, the revised policy will be provided to you. Effective IMMEDIATELY, building administrators have procedures in place to investigate and report bullying that align with the revised Missouri statute. Guidance for most behavior issues is found in the Student Handbooks for each building located on the district website. Most behavior issues/concerns are also defined in Section J of the Board of Education Policy Manual or you may address any questions with your Building Principal.
Sincerely,
Jacque A. Cowherd. Ed.D.
Superintendent
Information Line
FPS website www.fulton58.org
District Facebook page Fulton Public Schools
Twitter @fpshornets
Fall Homecoming 2016
***Note a change in Spirit Days***
FMS and ALL elementary schools will have "Can't Tame the Mane" otherwise known as Crazy Hair Day on Tuesday. The rest of the week will follow the flyer below!
Deadline to order online is TODAY 8-26 at Midnight!
Don't miss Movie Night!
Bonfire Info!
Important Dates
September 9 Dismiss 1 hour early for the Homecoming Parade--begins at 3:00 p.m.
September 9 Fall Homecoming Football Game vs Moberly Robert E. Fisher Stadium 7 p.m.
September 12 NO SCHOOL: DIstrict Professional Development Day
September 14 Board of Education meeting FHS Library 7:00 p.m.
September 30 NO SCHOOL: DIstrict Professional Development Day
Fulton Public Schools
Email: ksnethen@fulton58.org
Website: www.fulton58.org
Location: 2 Hornet Drive, Fulton, MO
Phone: 573-590-8000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fulton-Public-Schools-298183414812/
Twitter: @fpshornets