ABS- Anti-Bullying Specialist

ABR- Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights 

HIB - Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying 

What should a parent do if they believe their child is being bullied?

• If you suspect that your child is being bullied at school, report the matter to school officials, fill out the  HIB form.  All HIB forms can be found on the districts website.  

Does the ABR apply to pre-school children?  

• The ABR applies to all students who are enrolled in a public school district.  

Who can report HIB?

• Teachers, administrators, and any school district personnel are required by law to report an incident of HIB.  Any other individual, including parents/guardians, may make a report of HIB.  

Can a parent refuse to allow school staff to speak with their child?

• No.  School personnel will determine with whom and when it will discuss school matters with students.  Parents are not permitted to sit in with their student when the incident is discussed.  The ABS (Anti-Bullying Specialist) interviews all students involved in an HIB.  

What should I do if my child is accused of harassment, intimidation or bullying?  

• Don't panic.  Encourage your child to be truthful and honest.  All students are treated with respect and care  during interviews.  

Can a parent/student withdraw an HIB complaint?

• No.  Once the HIB forms are completed and submitted to the school the investigation process begins.  

If an incident is determined not to be an HIB, does that mean that the school won't look into the matter?

• No.  Many incidents that do not fall under the law's definition will violate the School's Code of Conduct.  In such cases, consequences will be imposed.  The school is not able to speak about other children and consequences that are imposed.  

Does the ABR apply to ESY and summer programs?

• Yes, the ABR applies to all school sponsored or related events throughout the year. 

What is an Anti-Bullying Specialist?

• An (ABS) is usually a school counselor, school psychologist or another school employee trained to act as the ABS.  The ABS is responsible for leading HIB investigations.  They are board approved for each school.  

What if the investigation determines that the students actions constitute HIB?

• The student will receive consequences at the school level. and/or counseling/support.  Examples of consequences and/or services include but not limited to: individual or small group counseling, peer support groups, social skills, detention, demerits, suspension.  

Why didn't the administrator tell me anything about the incident when they made the initial call?

• Under the HIB legislation, parent contact is required to be made before the investigation.  This prevents the relay of specific, accurate information to parents until the process has been completed.  

How long will it take to complete an HIB investigation?

• School districts have a very specific timeline to follow.  After receiving a report from the building principal, the ABS has 10 school days in which to conduct the investigation.  

What happens once an investigation is completed?

• Once the investigation is completed and submitted to the building principal, it is then submitted to the Superintendent for review.  The superintendent is required to review cases anonymously with the Board of Education.  Once that is done a final decision can be processed and formal parent notification is completed.  

Will my child be labeled a "bully" as a result of an investigation?

• At no point in time is any child ever labeled a bully.  

What if a parent doesn't agree with the HIB conclusion?  

• Parents  have the right to appeal an HIB.