What is HIB?

Since the implementation of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights in September 2011, parents have voiced some very important questions. I hope that the frequently-asked-questions below will help everyone to have a more concrete, comprehensive understanding of how this  change in legislation impacts parents and students.  One of the important issues I have found in dealing with this law with younger children is the use of the word "bully".   Each year during the week of Respect in October I discuss with the children when a person is truly a "bully" and when they may just a mean person who is bothering us.   It is important to understand that if the word bully is used a HIB investigation has be implemented even if the parent feels it is not warranted because of how the law is written.

Are parents present during a student interview?

Anti-bullying specialists and principals conduct student interviews regarding a multitude of activities and incidents going on in school buildings each day. Parents are not involved in these interviews, but are updated on the content of these conversations as the investigation is concluded.

 What happens when my child is labeled a “bully” as a result of an investigation?

At no point in time are children labeled “bullies.” The purpose of the Harassment, Intimidation and/or Bullying (HIB) investigation is to determine if a student violated the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. Although it may be determined that a child has violated this law, it in no way labels the child or gives the child a “record.”

 What are the consequences for students who have violated the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights?

Consequences and intervention strategies that result from an investigation are highly variable and highly individualized. Consequences and intervention strategies may include, but are not limited to, parent conferences, loss of privileges, school detentions, counseling, class lessons, etc. There is no pre-determined consequence for any child involved in a violation of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. All consequences are developmentally appropriate and take into consideration the whole child.

 What happens when the results of an HIB investigation do not confirm a violation of the Anti-Bullying Bill or Rights, but do confirm a negative interaction or act took place?

 When any incident is investigated, regardless of the findings as it pertains to the law itself, the district will take appropriate steps to address what took place and support our students.  It is not uncommon for incidents to fail to meet the criteria for HIB, but still result in a Code of Conduct violation.  In these instances, consequences and remediation actions are imposed that are individualized and appropriate to the specific student and/or incident.  Action taken could include similar responses to a confirmed violation of the law, which includes but is not limited to counseling support, detention, suspension, loss of privileges, etc.

 How will this affect my child's school record?

HIB Investigations are completely confidential and no record of the investigation is kept in a student’s file. The school principal or anti-bullying specialist may keep a file of past investigations for state reporting purposes, but student names are not made public in any way.

 What information will I receive at the conclusion of the investigation?

A note will be mailed home to all involved stating the findings at the end of the month.  Again, all information is confidential. 

Since the implementation of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights in September 2011, parents have voiced some very important questions. I hope that the frequently-asked-questions below will help everyone to have a more concrete, comprehensive understanding of how this  change in legislation impacts parents and students.  One of the important issues I have found in dealing with this law with younger children is the use of the word "bully".   Each year during the week of Respect in October I discuss with the children when a person is truly a "bully" and when they may just a mean person who is bothering us.   It is important to understand that if the word bully is used a HIB investigation has be implemented even if the parent feels it is not warranted because of how the law is written.

Are parents present during a student interview?

Anti-bullying specialists and principals conduct student interviews regarding a multitude of activities and incidents going on in school buildings each day. Parents are not involved in these interviews, but are updated on the content of these conversations as the investigation is concluded.

 What happens when my child is labeled a “bully” as a result of an investigation?

At no point in time are children labeled “bullies.” The purpose of the Harassment, Intimidation and/or Bullying (HIB) investigation is to determine if a student violated the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. Although it may be determined that a child has violated this law, it in no way labels the child or gives the child a “record.”

 What are the consequences for students who have violated the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights?

Consequences and intervention strategies that result from an investigation are highly variable and highly individualized. Consequences and intervention strategies may include, but are not limited to, parent conferences, loss of privileges, school detentions, counseling, class lessons, etc. There is no pre-determined consequence for any child involved in a violation of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. All consequences are developmentally appropriate and take into consideration the whole child.

 What happens when the results of an HIB investigation do not confirm a violation of the Anti-Bullying Bill or Rights, but do confirm a negative interaction or act took place?

 When any incident is investigated, regardless of the findings as it pertains to the law itself, the district will take appropriate steps to address what took place and support our students.  It is not uncommon for incidents to fail to meet the criteria for HIB, but still result in a Code of Conduct violation.  In these instances, consequences and remediation actions are imposed that are individualized and appropriate to the specific student and/or incident.  Action taken could include similar responses to a confirmed violation of the law, which includes but is not limited to counseling support, detention, suspension, loss of privileges, etc.

 How will this affect my child's school record?

HIB Investigations are completely confidential and no record of the investigation is kept in a student’s file. The school principal or anti-bullying specialist may keep a file of past investigations for state reporting purposes, but student names are not made public in any way.

 What information will I receive at the conclusion of the investigation?

A note will be mailed home to all involved stating the findings at the end of the month.  Again, all information is confidential.