The
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function. DASA was signed into law September 13, 2010, and took effect July 1, 2012.
The Dignity for All Students Act requires districts to appoint at least one employee in every building as a Dignity Act Coordinator. These coordinators receive extensive training and, in turn, are responsible for training other district staff.
Susquehanna Valley CSD Dignity Act Coordinators:
Francis P. Donnelly Elementary School / 607-775-0176Jill Rich, Principal /
Stacey Stilloe, School Social Worker
Richard T. Stank Middle School / 607-775-9129Laura Karlson, Principal
COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
So, what happens when bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination or harassment appear to be taking place? The district has adopted very clear and decisive procedures to file a complaint and respond to alleged incidents. All school employees who witness or receive reliable information about possible bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination or harassment must promptly notify the building principal, superintendent or designee in accordance with district procedures. Employees must also complete the
Bullying Prevention/DASA Incident Reporting Form. A student or family member may make a report verbally or in writing. Completion of the form is encouraged but is not required for the District to review and respond to a concern. These forms are available in each school's main office, in the social workers' offices and (by link) in the upper right window of this web page.
All inquiries and complaints filed with the District are confidential to the extent possible. Confidentiality also applies to the investigative process.
REPORTING
Students, parents, or legal guardians who believe that a student has experienced harassment, bullying or discrimination by another student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel should report the concern promptly to a Dignity Act Coordinator, administrator, teacher, counselor, social worker or other trusted staff member. Reports may be made verbally or by completing the Susquehanna Valley CSD Bullying Prevention/DASA Incident Reporting Form.
Retaliation against any person who reports an incident, provides information, assists with an investigation, or participates in the complaint process is prohibited. The District will take appropriate steps to protect those involved and to address any reported retaliation.
INVESTIGATION
Upon receipt of a report or complaint alleging harassment, the appropriate building administrator shall undertake or authorize an investigation. The investigation will be completed as soon as practicable. Upon a finding that bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination or harassment has occurred, appropriate responsive actions, interventions and supports will be determined and implemented. Steps will be taken to protect the complainant, pupils, teachers, administrators or others participating in the investigation.
CONCLUSIONS
- We cannot turn a “blind eye” towards any bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination or harassment incidents.
- We must document and follow through with proper procedures when bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination or harassment occurs.
- We are ALL responsible for protecting our students from bullying, cyberbullying, discrimination or harassment.
It's the law!