WHITE OAK SCHOOL
PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK
with Age-appropriate Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan for
High School Students
Please return the Bullying Prevention,
Anti-hazing and Signature Pages signed
2014/2015 School Year
The School's Purpose
The White Oak School is specifically designed to serve students
with dyslexia and similar language-based specific learning disabilities. The
students are emotionally sound, and are of average to above-average
intellectual capability. White Oak students are motivated to learn, and are
committed to spending the time needed to bring their skills up to their
potential.
The goal of the school is to develop in the students the language,
literacy and study skills they need in order to return to a regular academic
program. It is also the school's goal that each student should develop
knowledge, confidence and a spirit of inquiry in the areas of social studies,
the sciences, mathematics, physical education, and the arts.
Introduction
A school community, by its nature, gathers together a group of
people dedicated to a common purpose. White Oak has a set of rules so
that we can be a community of caring, considerate, responsible individuals
who can grow in our understanding of and respect for one another, while
maintaining a level of consistency and fairness among ourselves as a
group.
Most of the guidelines in this handbook are simple, logical rules,
the sort of laws that govern small units in society -- be they families,
schools or other kinds of small communities. Because they are sensible,
they will probably seem obvious, and thus easy to follow. It is hoped that
in a short time you will find them becoming second nature to you,
requiring no special consideration or thought to comply with them.
When you have read the handbook, please sign the signature page
included in the registration packet at the back of the booklet, to indicate that you
have read and understood the Handbook. Return the signed page with other
required medical and registration documents. Registration is not complete until
all required documents have been submitted.
General Behavior
A good rule to follow in regard to one's behavior toward others is
to treat those around you in a manner in which you would choose to be
treated: with mutual respect, honesty, concern and consideration.
Behavior which is loud, rude, cruel or hurtful is unacceptable for White
Oak students, whether they are on campus or out in the larger
community representing the school. It is important to remember that
each member of the school community is a part of its identity and an
ambassador for the school in the world at large. With that in mind, a
White Oak student should understand that it is expected that he/she will
always behave in a manner that is sensitive, caring and honorable,
thereby reflecting well upon both the student and the school.
Dress Code
The White Oak School dress code is designed to help cultivate in
students an appreciation for attire which is appropriate and acceptable for
an academic setting such as ours. The following guidelines provide a
concise, overall structure which all students are expected to follow.
Recognizing that fashions for girls and women far outnumber fashions
for boys and men, the Dean of Students will meet with the girls in the
opening weeks of the school year to provide and review details of the
girls dress code guidelines.
Appropriate school attire for boys at White Oak is a collared shirt
and long pants. Shirt tales must be kept tucked in at all times. Blue jeans,
whether new, faded or “stonewashed,” are not permitted; white, black or
other colored jeans are acceptable. Sweat pants, wind pants, and similar
athletic wear are not permitted except during physical education.
Classroom attire for girls can be either a skirt and a blouse, slacks, or a
dress.
T-shirts are not appropriate wear for either boys or girls. While
women’s fashions include many acceptable collar-less tops, the school
requires that girls not substitute T-shirts for more appropriate wear.
Sneakers and athletic shoes are not appropriate classroom
footwear, although students may bring them for gym and recreational
wear. The school recognizes that many shoes are “transitional” in style,
somewhere between traditional shoes and traditional sneakers;
appropriate footwear for school should not resemble a sports-shoe. For
safety reasons, shoes may not be open-toed. Boys should wear socks and
a belt.
Hats, baseball caps, bandannas, beepers, telephones, personal
stereos, headphones and sunglasses may not be worn in school, nor may
ripped or torn clothing.
Vests, fleece pullovers, sweaters and sweatshirts may be worn
inside, if they are worn over an appropriate shirt or top. “Outdoor
clothing,” such as coats, raincoats, hoods, hats, etc. may not be worn
inside the school buildings.
The school discourages the wearing of earrings by boys. If an
earring is worn, it must be a simple post-type; loops, wires, symbols or
images may not be worn.
Please note that, apart from earrings, the school prohibits the on-
campus wearing of all other oral or facial piercing-jewelry, for all students.
Students should, at all times, have a neat, clean appearance; shirt
tails must be tucked in at all times. Extreme hairstyles and unnatural hair
coloring are not permitted. No dress code can anticipate the many
variations of student dress; working within the guidelines described
above, the Headmaster or Dean will resolve any questions about the
appropriateness of any specific article or general category of clothing.
Absence and Academic Credit
Academic achievement and good school attendance are closely
linked. A student who misses class often spends days catching up, even
with lots of individual help from the teacher.
The school is understanding of absences caused by legitimate
medical reasons, or by family emergency or loss. Absences caused by any
other reason, even for a day, burden a child with needless loss of
important educational opportunities.
It is the school’s policy to withhold credit if there are more than
nine (9) absences in a particular semester, even if the absences are
medically excused. This figure represents an absence rate of 10%, and is
the equivalent of missing almost two full weeks of class in one semester.
Final decision regarding the awarding of credit will be made by the
Academic Affairs Committee, consisting of the Headmaster, the Dean of
Students, and the Academic Dean.
Students will be considered to have missed one-half day of school if
they have missed three or fewer periods of class. Students will be
considered to have missed a full day of school if they miss four or more
classes on that day.
Daily Class Schedule
The daily class schedule at the White Oak School is as follows:
Period 1 8:42 - 9:32
Period 2 9:34 - 10:24
Break 10:24 - 10:43
Period 3 10:45 - 11:35
Period 4 11:37 - 12:27
Lunch 12:27 - 12:54
Period 5 12:56 - 1:46
Period 6 1:48 - 2:38
Period 7 2:40 - 3:30
Students should plan on arriving at school by 8:15 a.m. and
should be picked up no later than 4:00 p.m.
Personal/Cell Phones
Cell phone use by students during the school day is prohibited. Students
who possess cell phones must turn them off fully (that is, not simply on to
“vibrate”) upon arrival at school and the phone must remain off until the
end of school. Any use or open possession of a cell phone will result in
the confiscation of the phone upon the first offense. Subsequent offenses
will result in confiscation until the student’s parents can pick the phone up
from the Headmaster.
Students may always call home from designated phones in the school
offices if there is a need to do so. Likewise, parents may call the school
and ask to speak with their child if there is an emergency
A note especially for parents:
Despite the school’s cell phone policy, some students neglect to turn their
phones off completely. For this reason, it is imperative that parents and
family should not phone or text students during the school day. Such calls
are disruptive and intrusive, not only for the student but for other
students as well.
If you need to leave a note for your child, White Oak office personnel
would be happy to make sure your child has been given that information.
Please call either the Main Office or the Student Services office and we will
convey your message.
Lunch
The school provides a hot lunch program that is available to all
students for a modest charge. Students may also bring their own lunch
and, if desired, purchase milk at school. Questions concerning free or
reduced-price lunches may be addressed to the school’s Business
Manager.
Students bringing their own lunches should be aware that the
school does not provide refrigeration or reheating facilities. The school
specifically prohibits carbonated soft-drinks, but does allow students to
bring juice, water, or “sport-drink” type beverages. Candy should not be
brought to school. Students are encouraged to bring a nutritious snack
for the mid-morning break or they may buy snacks at the cafeteria.
Homework policies
Daily homework assignments are an integral part of the
educational process at White Oak. The teacher's goal is to give useful
homework that is matched to the student both in terms of quantity and
complexity; consequently, it is expected that students will complete all
homework assignments. Should a student arrive in class with homework
that is not done, he or she may be asked to stay after school at day's end
to finish or make up the work in question. Please note that this is not
considered to be a disciplinary procedure, but rather an effort to insure
that a student is not impeding his/her progress by a lack of
understanding or attention to the work involved. Parental assistance with
homework should only be in the realm of clarification, organization, and
encouragement, without substantial direct involvement. Should parents find
themselves needing to offer a great deal of assistance, the school should
be notified so that the situation may be discussed and remedied. In the
same vein, parents should also notify the school if their child is spending
what seems to be either an inadequate or excessive amount of time on
homework.
Illness
If a student is too ill to attend school on any given day, the school
should be notified by his/her parent prior to 8:30 a.m. on the day
involved. If such notification is not received by that time, the school will
call a parent to find out the nature of the absence. Students are held
responsible for completing work missed through illness.
Should a student become ill during the school day, he/she should
report to the school office.
Inclement Weather
Should bad weather cause a delay in the opening of school, or the
cancellation of classes altogether, an announcement will be made on the
websites for channels WGGB-TV (Ch. 40) [www.wggb.com],
WWLP-TV (Ch. 22) [www.wwlp.com], and WSHM-TV (Ch. 3)
[www.cbs3springfield.com]. As a rule, any "snow day" designated by the
Westfield Public Schools will be observed by White Oak School. School
bus drivers working under contract with public school systems generally
observe the snow day decisions in their own school system.
If White Oak is open on a day declared a snow day in a student’s
home district, that student’s absence will not be counted against a
student’s allowed absences.
Driving and Cars
A student who holds a valid driver's license and wishes to drive
himself/herself to school may be given that privilege by the school's
administration on a case-by-case and space-available basis. It should be
remembered that holding a driver's license and operating a vehicle are
both activities that carry with them the need to display a great deal of
maturity and a good sense of responsibility. Students wishing to drive a
car to school must seek permission to do so from the Headmaster.
Under no circumstance is a student allowed to be in another
student's car, whether moving or stationary, without express written
permission from the parents of both students involved. Students wishing
to drive to school must sign White Oak’s Driving Guidelines, which are
available in the Dean’s Office.
Prohibited Materials
Tobacco: It is widely understood in today's society that the use of tobacco
in any form (smoking, snuff, chewing tobacco) is unhealthy to both the
user and others around him/her. Thus, it would be irresponsible of a
school to condone such usage. Tobacco usage of any sort at White Oak
School is not acceptable; infractions of this rule will be dealt with as a
serious offense.
Drugs and Alcohol: The use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol in
any form by students at White Oak School is strictly forbidden.
Infractions of this rule will result in the most serious disciplinary responses
by the school. The abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs is
also considered a violation of this rule and will be dealt with similarly.
Medications
If a student is using medication prescribed by a doctor, his/her
parents should notify the school to that effect and make arrangements
with the school to have it administered during the school day as directed
by the treating physician.
Students should have no medicines, either prescription or non-
prescription, in their possession at any time while under the school's jurisdiction.
Unauthorized use, possession, or distribution of such medication by
students may be cause for dismissal.
Disciplinary Responses
Discipline in a school begins with respect. For the school itself, that
means respect for the students. Students, in turn, show their respect for
the other students and ultimately for themselves.
Learning the meaning of this respect, and indeed, learning the
boundaries of self-discipline, is a part of the work of any school. For
students, most of this learning occurs through observation and through
conversation with teachers and other students. In any good school,
including White Oak, discipline is truly the result of networks of respect
combined with reasonable discussion and explanation.
It is only when student behavior goes outside this boundary that
the school will begin to enact overt “disciplinary” strategies. If a behavior
is escalating and teacher-intervention has not been sufficient, or if a
behavior warrants it, the student will meet with the Dean of Students.
The Dean will listen to the student, review the facts of the matter with the
student, and take appropriate action. If two or more students are
involved in a dispute, the Dean will attempt to guide the students to a
resolution of any issues rather than simply moving toward a punitive
response. Care is given to evaluate the extent to which the matter was
based on confusion or misunderstanding by the student. Care is
especially given to determine to what degree a behavior may be a
manifestation of the student’s underlying disability.
In many cases, the Dean will also confer with the Headmaster, the
Academic Dean, and relevant teachers for additional information.
When called for, the school’s disciplinary options include:
written or verbal apologies
reprimands and warnings, by a teacher or school administrator
behavior monitoring sheets, involving parental review
in-school or after school detention
meeting with a student’s parents
meeting with a student’s LEA liaison
suspension of 1 - 3 days
termination or dismissal, pursuant to all Mass. DESE guidelines
White Oak will not tolerate verbally or physically abusive behavior
by a student toward himself/herself or others. Other behaviors that will
lead to immediate disciplinary action included but are not limited to:
1. Any use or possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and/or
other prohibited substances or items. Any misuse of medication or other
substances in a manner which could reasonably be seen as substance
abuse.
2. Any involvement in sexual misconduct or sexual
harassment.
3. Theft from other students, teachers, or the school, both on
campus or during any school-sponsored activity.
4. Continued failure to observe the dress code.
5. Refusal to obey and follow instructions from teachers or
administrators.
6. Withholding, upon application to the school, of information
or records central to the student's or school's well-being.
7. Behavior or conduct that is deemed by the school to be
detrimental to the school community, whether at school or elsewhere,
while under the school's jurisdiction. This includes conduct deemed to be
dangerous, disruptive, harmful or threatening to oneself or to others.
State educational guidelines require all schools to describe their use
of non-violent restraints with students. White Oak conforms to state
guidelines on this issue, but feels strongly that physical restraint,
regardless of how non-violent, is not an acceptable or necessary strategy.
Instead, the School’s efforts are put into de-escalating confrontations and
interpersonal dispute. Given the nature of our population, this is a
realistic goal and this policy has resulted in a “zero-restraint” history since
the school’s inception.
Cheating and Plagiarism
In an academic community, cheating and plagiarism are considered
to be serious affronts to the educational process. While there are a
multitude of gray areas on this topic at different student grade levels, the
school may respond to such cases with a variety of disciplinary measures,
including a warning, a failing grade on the assignment, or academic
probation. Repeated offenses may be considered cause for dismissal.
Academic Reports
At White Oak School, academic reports chronicle the state of a
student's abilities and his/her progress toward personal educational goals
rather than focusing primarily on letter grades. Parents receive four
reports each year reflecting the current status of the student in each class
and giving an overview of the student's achievement.
High school and junior high school students will receive quarterly
grades, in order to assist their transition to other high-schools, to college
or to vocational programs. In this case, however, the narrative academic
report will continue to be the most informative source for information on
the student's capabilities.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
White Oak School hosts two parent-teacher evenings each school
year; one in the Fall and one in the Spring. These afford parents the
opportunity to gain familiarity with their child's progress within the
academic program, and to learn more about the events and activities
taking place at the school. The dates of these conferences will be sent out
at the beginning of each school year.
Health and Immunizations
Prior to enrolling in the school, students will be required to present
evidence of compliance with all state immunization requirements. In
addition, all health information and release forms must be signed and
submitted to the school before enrollment can be completed.
Medical expenses occasioned by accidents at the school or on
school-sponsored trips are the responsibility of the student's own medical
insurer. Up-to-date medical insurance policy numbers must be provided
for a student's records, in order to facilitate emergency medical treatment.
Extracurricular Activities
The school offers students the opportunity to be involved in
several different activities, including:
Cheerleading Music
Community Service School Newspaper
Drama Student Council
Other activities may be added or deleted to reflect student interest.
Field Trip Permission
The school issues two types of permission forms for field trips. The
first, for in-state, short distance travel, is valid throughout the year. The
second category of permission forms is for longer distance, out-of-state
travel; such forms are issued separately for each trip.
Amendments to the Handbook
This Handbook may be amended during the school year if
additions or changes are deemed necessary. Any such change will be
noted on the school’s website and will be redistributed to parents/
guardians.
Signature Page
The signature pages, which accompany this document, must be
signed by the student and his/her parent, and returned to the school at
the time of the student's enrollment. This should be done each school
year.
White Oak School
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING AND RESPONDING TO
BULLYING AND RETALIATION
The school expects that all members of the school community will treat each other in a civil
manner and with respect for differences.
The school is committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment that is
free from bullying and cyber-bullying. 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.
A. Reporting bullying or retaliation. Reports of bullying or retaliation may be made by staff,
students, parents or guardians, or others, and may be oral or written. Oral reports made by
or to a staff member shall be recorded in writing. A school staff member is required to report
immediately to the Headmaster or designee any instance of bullying or retaliation the staff
member becomes aware of or witnesses. Reports made by students, parents or guardians,
or other individuals who are not school or district staff members, may be made anonymously.
The school makes a variety of reporting resources known to the school community: Incident
Reporting Forms are available in the school’s Main Office and in its Student Services Office;
reports of bullying (using the Incident Reporting Forms or any other format) should be sent
directly to the school’s Headmaster or to the school’s Dean of Students. Reports may also
be made by telephone: Headmaster (413) 562-9500 (X201) and Dean of Students (413)
562-9500 (X224). In addition, reports may also be submitted via email: Headmaster:
Use of an Incident Reporting Form is not required as a condition of making a report. The
school: 1) includes a copy of the Incident Reporting Form in the beginning of the year
packets for students and parents or guardians; 2) makes it available in the school’s main
office, the counseling office, the school nurse's office, and other locations determined by the
Headmaster or designee; and 3) posts it on the school’s website.
At the beginning of each school year, the school provides the school community, including
administrators, staff, students, and parents or guardians, with written notice of its policies for
reporting acts of bullying and retaliation. A description of the reporting procedures and
resources, including the name and contact information of the Headmaster or designee, is
incorporated in student and staff handbooks, on the school website, and in information about
the Plan that is made available to parents or guardians.
This plan recognizes that certain students may be more vulnerable to becoming a target of
bullying or harassment based on actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, including
race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, socioeconomic status, homelessness,
academic status, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, pregnant or parenting
status, sexual orientation, mental physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by
association with a person who has or is perceived to have one or more of these
characteristics. The school identifies specific steps it will take 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 harassment, or
teasing.
We will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying, cyber-
bullying, or retaliation, in our school buildings, on school grounds, or in school-related
activities. We will investigate promptly all reports and complaints of bullying, cyber-bullying
and 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 devel9pment, extracurricular activities, and parent or
guardian involvement.
1. Reporting by Staff
A staff member must report immediately to the Headmaster or designee when he/she
witnesses or becomes aware of conduct that may be bullying or retaliation. The requirement
to report to the Headmaster or designee does not limit the authority of the staff member to
respond to behavioral or disciplinary incidents consistent with school policies and procedures
for behavior management and discipline.
2. Reporting by Students, Parents or Guardians, and Others
The school 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
Headmaster 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
Headmaster or designee.
B. Responding to a report of bullying or retaliation.
1. Safety
Before fully investigating the allegations of bullying or retaliation, the Headmaster or designee
will take steps to assess the need to restore a sense of safety to the alleged target and/or to
protect the alleged target from possible further incidents. Responses to promote safety may
include, but not be limited to, creating a personal safety plan; pre-determining seating
arrangements for the target and/or the aggressor in the classroom, at lunch, or on the bus;
identifying a staff member who will act as a “safe person” for the target; and altering the
aggressor’s schedule and access to the target. The Headmaster or designee will take
additional steps to promote safety during the course of and after the investigation, as
necessary.
The Headmaster or designee will implement appropriate strategies for protecting from
bullying or retaliation a student who has reported bullying or retaliation, a student who has
witnessed bullying or retaliation, a student who provides information during an investigation,
or a student who has reliable information about a reported act of bullying or retaliation.
2. Obligations to Notify Others
a. Notice to parents or guardians. Upon determining that bullying or retaliation has
occurred, the Headmaster or designee will promptly notify the parents or
guardians of the target and the aggressor of this, and of the procedures for
responding to it. The school will notify parents and guardians of targets of bullying
of the availability of the DESE problem resolution system and the school will assist
parents and guardians in understanding the problem resolution process. There
may be circumstances in which the Headmaster or designee contacts parents or
guardians prior to any investigation. Notice will be consistent with state
regulations at 603 CMR 49.00.
b. Notice to Another School or District. If the reported incident involves students
from more than one school district, charter school, non-public school, approved
private special education day or residential school, or collaborative school, the
Headmaster or designee first informed of the incident will promptly notify by
telephone the Principal or Headmaster or other designee of the other school(s) of
the incident so that each school may take appropriate action. All communications
will be in accordance with state and federal privacy laws and regulations, and 603
CMR 49.00.
c. Notice to Law Enforcement. At any point after receiving a report of bullying or
retaliation, including after an investigation, if the Headmaster or designee has a
reasonable basis to believe that criminal charges may be pursued against the
aggressor, the Headmaster will notify the local law enforcement agency. Notice
will be consistent with the requirements of 603 CMR 49.00 and locally established
agreements with the local law enforcement agency. Also, if an incident occurs on
school grounds and involves a former student under the age of 21 who is no
longer enrolled in school, the Headmaster or designee shall contact the local law
enforcement agency if he or she has a reasonable basis to believe that criminal
charges may be pursued against the aggressor.
In making this determination, the Headmaster will, consistent with the Plan and
with applicable school policies and procedures, consult with other individuals the
Headmaster or designee deems appropriate.
d. Notice to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The
school will report to the DESE the number of reported allegations of bullying or
retaliation, the number and nature of substantiated incidents of bullying and
retaliation, the number of students disciplined for engaging in bullying and
retaliation, and any other information required by the DESE. In addition, starting in
the 2015-2016 school year, the school will administer a DESE-developed student
survey at least once every four years to assess school climate and the
prevalence, nature and severity of bullying in the school.
C. Investigation. The Headmaster or designee will investigate promptly all reports of bullying
or retaliation and, in doing so, will consider all available information known, including the
nature of the allegation(s) and the ages of the students involved.
During the investigation the Headmaster or designee will, among other things, interview
students, staff, witnesses, parents or guardians, and others as necessary. The Headmaster
or designee (or whoever is conducting the investigation) will remind the alleged aggressor,
target, and witnesses that retaliation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
Interviews may be conducted by the Headmaster or designee, and any other staff members
as determined by the Headmaster or designee. To the extent practicable, and given his/her
obligation to investigate and address the matter, the Headmaster or designee will maintain
confidentiality during the investigative process. The Headmaster or designee will maintain a
written record of the investigation.
Procedures for investigating reports of bullying and retaliation will be consistent with school
policies and procedures for investigations. If necessary, the Headmaster or designee will
consult with legal counsel about the investigation.
D. Determinations. The Headmaster or designee will make a determination based upon all
of the facts and circumstances. If, after investigation, bullying or retaliation is substantiated,
the Headmaster or designee will take steps reasonably calculated to prevent recurrence and
to ensure that the target is not restricted in participating in school or in benefiting from school
activities. The Headmaster or designee will: 1) determine what remedial action is required, if
any, and 2) determine what responsive actions and/or disciplinary action is necessary.
Depending upon the circumstances, the Headmaster or designee may choose to consult
with the students’ teacher(s) and/or Dean of Students, and the target’s or aggressor’s
parents or guardians, to identify any underlying social or emotional issue(s) that may have
contributed to the bullying behavior and to assess the level of need for additional social skills
development.
The Headmaster or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the target and
the aggressor about the results of the investigation and, if bullying or retaliation is found, what
action is being taken to prevent further acts of bullying or retaliation. All notice to parents
must comply with applicable state and federal privacy laws and regulations. Because of the
legal requirements regarding the confidentiality of student records, the Headmaster or
designee cannot report specific information to the target’s parent or guardian about the
disciplinary action taken unless it involves a “stay away” order or other directive that the
target must be aware of in order to report violations.
The Headmaster will inform the parent or guardian of the target about the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education’s problem resolution system and the process for
accessing that system, regardless of the outcome of the bullying determination.
E. Responses to Bullying.
1. Teaching Appropriate Behavior Through Skills-building
Upon the Headmaster or designee determining that bullying or retaliation has occurred, the
law requires that the school use a range of responses that balance the need for
accountability with the need to teach appropriate behavior. M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(d)(v). Skill-
building approaches that the Headmaster or designee may consider include:
▪ offering individualized skill-building sessions based on the school’s anti-bullying curricula;
▪ providing relevant educational activities for individual students or groups of students, in
consultation with teachers and other appropriate school personnel;
▪ implementing a range of academic and nonacademic positive behavioral supports to help
students understand pro-social ways to achieve their goals;
▪ meeting with parents and guardians to engage parental support and to reinforce the anti-
bullying curricula and social skills building activities at home;
▪ adopting behavioral plans to include a focus on developing specific social skills; and
▪ making a referral for evaluation.
2. Taking Disciplinary Action
If the Headmaster or designee decides that disciplinary action is appropriate, the disciplinary
action will be determined on the basis of facts found by the Headmaster or designee,
including the nature of the conduct, the age of the student(s) involved, and the need to
balance accountability with the teaching of appropriate behavior. Discipline will be consistent
with the Plan and with the school’s code of conduct.
Discipline procedures for students with disabilities are governed by the federal Individuals
with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which should be read in cooperation with
state laws regarding student discipline.
If the Headmaster or designee determines that a student knowingly made a false allegation of
bullying or retaliation, that student may be subject to disciplinary action.
3. Promoting Safety for the Target and Others
The Headmaster or designee will consider what adjustments, if any, are needed in the school
environment to enhance the target's sense of safety and that of others as well. One strategy
that the Headmaster or designee may use is to increase adult supervision at transition times
and in locations where bullying is known to have occurred or is likely to occur.
Within a reasonable period of time following the determination and the ordering of remedial
and/or disciplinary action, the Headmaster or designee will contact the target to determine
whether there has been a recurrence of the prohibited conduct and whether additional
supportive measures are needed. If so, the Headmaster or designee will work with
appropriate school staff to implement them immediately.
When appropriate, the school will make arrangements for the provision of counseling or
referral services for targets, aggressors and appropriate family members of involved
students. Community-based counselors will be provided in cases of trauma or emergency,
and collaboration with referral services will be provided to address longer-term needs.
Responding to a Report of Bullying by School Staff
The School’s policies and procedures address how school administration will respond to and
resolve a report of bullying of a student by school staff. The Plan emphasizes the need for
individualized safety planning, notification to parent or guardians and others, investigation, and
response – identical to the areas that are addressed when a student is alleged to have bullied
another student. And as when investigating a report of student-to-student bullying, this plan
emphasizes the importance of the investigation, the need for the aggressor, target, and
witnesses to be truthful, and that retaliation against someone who reports bullying or provides
information during a bullying investigation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action
COLLABORATION WITH FAMILIES
A. Parent education and resources. The school offers education programs for parents and
guardians that are focused on the parental components of the anti-bullying curricula and the
social competency curricula used by the school.
B. Notification requirements. Each year the school informs parents or guardians of enrolled
students about the anti-bullying curricula that are being used. This notice includes information
about the dynamics of bullying, including cyber-bullying and online safety. The school sends
parents written notice each year about the student-related sections of the Plan and the
school's Internet safety policy. All notices and information made available to parents or
guardians are in hard copy and electronic formats. The school posts the Plan and related
information on its website.
PROHIBITION AGAINST BULLYING AND RETALIATION
Acts of bullying, which include cyber-bullying, are prohibited:
(i) on school grounds and property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school-
sponsored or school-related activity, function, or program whether on or off school
grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or
used by a school district or school; or through the use of technology or an electronic
device owned, leased, or used by the school, and
(ii) at a location, activity, function, or program that is not school-related through the use of
technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the school, if
the acts create a hostile environment at school for the target or witnesses, infringe on
their rights at school, or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or
the orderly operation of the school.
Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of
bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying is also prohibited.
As stated in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, nothing in this Plan requires the school to staff any non-school
related activities, functions, or programs.
Problem Resolution System:
Chapter 86 of the Acts of 2014 amended Section 37O of chapter 71 of the General Laws to
include (g) (v): The Plan shall inform parents or guardians of the target about the Department’s
problem resolution system and the process for seeking assistance or filing a claim through the
problem resolution system. This information will be made available in both hard copy and
electronic formats:
Any parent wishing to file a claim/concern or seeking assistance outside of the school may do so
with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Program Resolution System
(PRS). That information can be found at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/pqa, emails can be sent to
[email protected] or individuals can call 781-338-3700. Hard copies of this information
is also available at the School’s office
DEFINITIONS
Aggressor is a student who engages in bullying, cyber-bullying, or retaliation.
Bullying, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is the repeated use by one or more students of
a written, verbal, or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination
thereof, directed at a target that:
i. causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property;
ii. places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself or of damage to his or
her property;
iii. creates a hostile environment at school for the target;
iv. infringes on the rights of the target at school; or
v. materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of
a school.
Cyber-bullying, is bullying through the use of technology or electronic devices such as
telephones, cell phones, computers, and the Internet. It includes, but is not limited to, email,
instant messages, text messages, and Internet postings. See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O for the legal
definition of cyber-bullying.
Hostile environment, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is a situation in which bullying causes the
school environment to be permeated with intimidation, ridicule, or insult that is sufficiently severe
or pervasive to alter the conditions of a student’s education.
Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who
reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has
reliable information about bullying.
Staff includes, but is not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, school nurses,
cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular
activities, support staff, or paraprofessionals.
Target is a student against whom bullying, cyber-bullying, or retaliation has been perpetrated.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS
Consistent with state and federal laws, and the policies of the school, no person shall be
discriminated against in admission to the school or in obtaining the advantages, privilege and
courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or
sexual orientation. Nothing in the Plan prevents the school from taking action to remediate
discrimination or harassment based on a person’s membership in a legally protected category
under local, state, or federal law, or school or district policies.
In addition, nothing in the Plan is designed or intended to limit the authority of the school to take
disciplinary action or other action under M.G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H or 37H½, other applicable laws, or
school policies in response to violent, harmful, or disruptive behavior, regardless of whether the
Plan covers the behavior.
TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A. Annual'staff'training'on'the'Plan.''Annual'training'for'all'school'staff'on'the'Plan'will'include'staff'
duties'under'the'Plan,'an'overview'of'the'steps'that'the'principal'or'designee'will'follow'upon'
receipt'of'a'report'of'bullying'or'retaliation,'and'an'overview'of'the'bullying'prevention'curricula'
to'be'offered'at'all'grades'throughout'the'scho ol'or'dis trict.''Staff'member s'hired 'after'the's tart'of'
the'school'year'are'required'to'participate 'in'schoo l=based'tr aining'dur ing'the's chool'ye ar'in'
which'they'are'hired,'unless'they'can'de monstrate'partic ipation'in'an'acce ptable'and'comparable'
program'within'the'last'two'years.''
B. Ongoing'professional'development.''The'goal'of'professional'development'is'to'establish'a'
common'understanding'of'tools'necessary'for'staff'to'create'a'school'climate'that'promotes'
safety,'civil'communication,'and'respect'for'differences.''Professional'development'will'build'the'
skills'of'staff'members'to'prevent,'identify,'and'respond'to'bullying.''As'required'by'M.G.L.'c.'71,'§'
37O,'the'content'of'school=wide'and'district'wide'professional'development'will'be'informed'by'
research'and'will'include'information'on:
(i)' developmentally'appropriate'strategies'to'prevent'bullying;'
(ii)' developmentally'appropriate'strategies'for'immediate,'effective'interventions'to'stop'
bullying'incidents;'
(iii)'information'regarding'the'complex'interaction'and'power'differential'that'can'take'place'
between'and'among'an'aggressor,'target,'and'witnesses'to'the 'bullying;'
(iv)'research'Nindings'on'bullying,'including'information'about'speciNic'categories'of'students'
who'have'been'shown'to'be'particularly'at'risk'for 'bullying'i n'the 'sch oo l'envi ro nment;
(v)' information'on'the'incidence'and'nature'of'cyber=bullying;'and'(vi)'Internet'safety'issues'as'
they'relate'to'cyber=bullying.''
Professional'development'will'also'address'ways'to'prevent'and'respond'to'bullying'or'
retaliation'for'students'with'disabilities'that'must'be'considered'when'developing'students’'
Individualized'Education'Programs'(IEPs).''This'will'include'a'particular'focus'on'the'need s'of'
students'with'autism'or'students'whose'disability'affects'social'skills'development.'
Additional'areas'identiNied'by'the'school'or'district'for'professional'development'include:'
¥ promoting'and'modeling'the'use'of'respectful'language;
¥ fostering'an'understanding'of'and'respect'for'diversity'and'difference;
¥ building'relationships'and'communicating'with'families; '
¥ constructively'managing'classroom'behaviors;'
¥ using'positive'behavioral'intervention'strategies;'
¥ applying'constructive'disciplinary'practices;'
¥ teaching'students'skills'including'positive'co mmunication,'anger'manageme nt,'and'empathy'
for'others;
¥ engaging'students'in'school'or'classroom'planning'and'decision=making;'
¥ maintaining a safe and caring classroom for all students; and
¥ engaging staff and those responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Plan to
distinguish between acceptable managerial behaviors designed to correct misconduct,
instill accountability in the school setting, etc and bullying behaviors
C. Written notice to staff. The school will provide all staff with an annual written notice of the
Plan by publishing information about it, including sections related to staff duties and bullying of
students by school staff, in the school or employee handbook and the code of conduct.
ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Working with the students’ sending school district, the school will develop an individualized Plan
for providing counseling or referral to appropriate services for student aggressors, targets and
family members affected by bullying, based on the unique factors of the bullying situation,
including the district from which a student comes, the location of family members, and the age,
preferences and related clinical factors of the students involved.
A. Identifying resources. The Plan will include the school’s and the district’s process for
identifying its capacity to provide counseling and other services for targets, student
aggressors, and their families. This will include a review of current staffing and programs
that support the creation of positive school environments by focusing on early interventions
and intensive services. Once this mapping of resources is complete, the school or district
may develop recommendations and action steps to fill resource and service gaps. This may
include adopting new curricula, reorganizing staff, establishing safety planning teams, and
identifying other agencies that can provide services. The Plan will outline the local processes
for identifying existing and needed resources.
B. Counseling and other services. The Plan developed by the School and the District will
identify the availability of culturally and linguistically appropriate resources within the school
and district. If resources need to be developed, the Plan will identify linkages with community
based organizations, including Community Service Agencies (CSAs) for Medicaid eligible
students. In addition, the Plan will identify staff and service providers who assist schools in
developing safety plans for students who have been targets of bullying or retaliation,
providing social skills programs to prevent bullying, and offering education and/or intervention
services for students exhibiting bullying behaviors. The School may consider current tools
including, but not limited to, behavioral intervention plans, social skills groups, and individually
focused curricula.
C. Students with disabilities. As required by M.G.L. c. 71B, § 3, as amended by Chapter 92
of the Acts of 2010, when the IEP Team determines the student has a disability that affects
social skills development or the student may participate in or is vulnerable to bullying,
harassment, or teasing because of his/her disability, the Team will consider what should be
included in the IEP to develop the student's skills and proficiencies to avoid and respond to
bullying, harassment, or teasing.
D. Referral to outside services. The School , working with sending school districts, will
establish a referral protocol for referring students and families to outside services. Clear
protocols will help students and families access appropriate and timely services. Referrals
must comply with relevant laws and policies. Current local referral protocols will be evaluated
to assess their relevance to each individualized Plan, and revised as needed.
ACADEMIC AND NON-ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
A. Specific bullying prevention approaches. Bullying prevention curricula is informed by current
research which, among other things, emphasizes the following approaches:
¥ using scripts and role plays to develop skills;
¥ empowering students to take action by knowing what to do when they witness other
students or school staff engaged in acts of bullying or retaliation, including seeking adult
assistance;
¥ helping students understand the dynamics of bullying and cyber-bullying, including the
underlying power imbalance;
¥ emphasizing cyber-safety, including safe and appropriate use of electronic
communication technologies;
¥ enhancing students’ skills for engaging in healthy relationships and respectful
communications; and
¥ engaging students in a safe, supportive school environment that is respectful of diversity
and difference.
Initiatives also teach students about the student-related sections of the Bullying Prevention
and Intervention Plan. The school will review the Plan with students annually, at a minimum.
B. General teaching approaches that support bullying prevention efforts. The following
approaches are integral to establishing a safe and supportive school environment. These
underscore the importance of our bullying intervention and prevention initiatives:
¥ setting clear expectations for students and establishing school and classroom routines;
¥ creating safe school and classroom environments for all students, including for students
with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender students, and homeless students;
¥ using appropriate and positive responses and reinforcement, even when students require
discipline;
¥ using positive behavioral supports;
¥ encouraging adults to develop positive relationships with students;
¥ modeling, teaching, and rewarding pro-social, healthy, and respectful behaviors;
¥ using positive approaches to behavioral health, including collaborative problem-solving,
conflict resolution training, teamwork, and positive behavioral supports that aid in social
and emotional development;
¥ using the Internet safely; and
¥ supporting students’ interest and participation in non-academic and extracurricular
activities, particularly in their areas of strength.
Faculty Professional Development Information
Professional Development in-services are provided to all White Oak staff annually in the following
areas:
Strategies for interventions to stop bullying
Information regarding the complex interaction and power differential that can take
place among an aggressor, a target and witnesses to bullying
Information on students who are at risk for bullying
Information on cyber-bullying
Internet safety issues as they relate to cyber-bullying
High School Students
White Oak School
State-Mandated Annual Notice of Prohibition of Hazing
This notice must be distributed annually to all students, faculty and staff, and to any other
advisor or sponsor of any school-sponsored or non-school sponsored event or activity involving
students of the school.
General Laws: CHAPTER 269, Section 17
Section 17. Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the rime of hazing as defined
herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment
in a house of correction for not more than one year or both such fine and imprisonment.
The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any
conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private
property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student
or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics,
exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food liquor, beverage, drug or other
substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely
affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such
student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or
rest or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the section to the contrary, consent shall not be
available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.
General Laws: CHAPTER 269, Section 18
Section 18. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section
seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so
without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law
enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall
be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.
General Laws: CHAPTER 269, Section 19
Section 19. Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of
post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student
organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted
by the institution to use its name or facilities or is knows by the institution to exist as an
unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and
sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this
section’s requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen
and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute
evidence of the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups,
teams or organizations.
Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections
seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership.
It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated
officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such
group, team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen
and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of
sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and
agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post
secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each
person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections
seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post
secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher education
and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such
institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams and
organizations and to notify each time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section
and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a
disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such
policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means
of communicating the institution’s policies to its students. The board of higher education and,
in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations
governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney
general any such institution that fails to make such report.
High School Students
White Oak School
2014/2015 Student Handbook
Signature Page
We have read the White Oak School Student Handbook and reviewed the
guidelines and policies it presents. We understand the school's commitment to protect
the integrity of its program, and support White Oak's commitment to its students and
to their education.
___________________________________
Student's Printed Name
___________________________________ ______________________
Student's Signature Date
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian's Printed Name
___________________________________ _______________________
Parent/Guardian's Signature Date
Please return this form to the school office with your other parent packet information.
White Oak School
2014/2015 Student Handbook
High School
Bullying Prevention and
Intervention Signature Page
We have read the White Oak School Student Handbook and reviewed the
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy. We understand the school's commitment
to protect the integrity of its program, and support White Oak's commitment to its
students and to their education.
___________________________________
Student's Printed Name
___________________________________ ______________________
Student's Signature Date
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian's Printed Name
___________________________________ _______________________
Parent/Guardian's Signature Date
Please return this form to the school office with your other parent packet information.
High School Students
White Oak School
2014/2015 Anti-hazing Policy
Signature Page
I have read the White Oak School Anti-hazing Policy located within this Student
Handbook and reviewed the guidelines and policies it presents. I understand the
school's commitment to protect the integrity of its program, and support White Oak's
commitment to its students and to their education.
____________________________________________
Student’s Printed Name
____________________________________________ _______________________
Student's Signature Date
Please return this form to the school office with your other parent packet information.
