School Resource Officer

Repeated harmful physical, verbal or psychological attacks or intimidation directed against another.

Types: Physical---assault, pushing, tripping, hitting, intimidation, demands for money, destruction of property, theft, hazing.

Relational or emotional---peer pressure, isolation.

Verbal---tease, mock, threaten, taunt, rumors, gossip, lies, racial and sexual slurs.

Bullying is no laughing matter. It deserves your attention right now. As a student in school today, you are on the front lines of this problem.

October 1, 1997---Pearl, Mississippi---Two students killed and seven wounded by Luke Woodham, 16, an outcast who worshiped Satan.

April 20, 1999---Fourteen students, one teacher killed at Columbine High School. Eric Harris, 18 and Dylan Klebold, 17, directly linked to bullying.

April 28, 1999---Taber, Alberta, Canada---One student killed, one wounded. Suspect 14 year old male who had dropped out of school after he was severely ostracized by his classmates.

March 7, 2001---One student wounded by a 14 year old female. Suspect frequently teased and depressed.

Chesapeake, Virginia---13 year old Alex killed himself after being bullied online.

What Can You Do as a Student?

Speak Out!!!

Yell:

Stop it !

Can't you see what you're doing?

Leave them/him/her alone.

They're not bothering you.

Refuse to join in. Don't be a part of the abuse.

Report any bullying you see.

Are YOU a Bully?

Do You---

call someone insulting names?

make fun of someone's race, hair, teeth, size, clothes, grades, nationality?

deliberately ignore someone?

assault others?

spread rumors or lies about someone?

laugh at someone?

exclude someone from the group?

take someone's property or money?

make others do things they don't want to do?

throw things at someone?

Parents how will you know something is wrong?

If your child is being victimized, chances are quite good that she/he will never tell you about it. You need to take an active role in observing your child's behavior.

WARNING SIGNS

Indications your child is being victimized at home, school or in the neighborhood:

Acts reluctant to go to school.

Complains of feeling sick: frequently visits the school nurse's office.

Shows a sudden drop in grades.

Comes home hungry (because bullies have taken his lunch money).

Frequently arrives home with clothing or possessions missing or destroyed.

Experiences nightmares, bedwetting or difficulty sleeping.

Acts afraid of meeting new people, trying new things or exploring new places.

Refuses to leave the house.

Waits to get home to use the bathroom.

Acts nervous when another child approaches.

Shows increased anger or resentment with no obvious cause.

Bully-Busting Tips

Listen to children without rushing to conclusions.

Take complaints of bullying seriously.

Teach your child good social skills.

Help children develop a positive self-image.

Teach children to walk confidently and to stand up for themselves verbally.

Encourage children to seek adult help when needed.

Report bullying to school administrators.

Use resources identified by school counselors.

What to do if your child is cyberbullied.

Experts offer these pointers for parents:

Always print out and save cyberbullying messages.

Teach children never to post anything they wouldn't want others to read.

Have kids change their screen name and give it only to people they trust.

If threats are made, call the police and the Internet service provider.

The School Resource Officer (SRO) position is funded through a federal grant that encourages a connection between the schools, the police and the community.

Mission Statement: A prosperous future for citizens of Seekonk depends, in large measure, upon the Town's ability to properly educate its children. Effective schooling requires a safe and orderly environment in which learning can occur. Consequently, the Seekonk Police Department, in collaboration with the Seekonk Public Schools, conducts the Cops In School (CIS) Program in order to provide school administrators and staff with law enforcement resources and expertise they need to maintain safety, order, and discipline in the school environment. The CIS Program is intended to ensure no student's right to receive an education is abridged by violence or disruption. The Seekonk Police Department has implemented the CIS Program in cooperation with the Seekonk Public Schools. The program involves the assignment of a police officer to a public school(s) as an SRO. With daily interaction between the school's administration and the SRO, it is important to establish, maintain, and update specific guidelines and procedures to be followed by the SRO and individual school administrators. The success of this program relies on effective communication between the SRO, the principal, and other key staff members of each organization.

Purpose: Problem solver and liaison to the community, educator, law enforcement/safety specialist

Areas of Focus:

Develop and/or expand crime prevention efforts for students

Educate students in crime prevention and safety, both in and out of school

Visit classes to discuss law related concerns

Develop or expand community justice initiatives for students.

Assist in developing school policy that addresses crime and recommend procedural changes