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
So, what happens when bullying or harassment appears to be taking place? The district has adopted very clear and decisive procedures to file a complaint and respond to alleged incidents. As stated in the law, ALL school employees who are aware of an incident are mandated to inform the Dignity Coordinator and/or Principal by completing the
Bullying Prevention/DASA Incident Reporting Form. These forms are located in each school’s main office, in the Social Worker’s office, and in the upper right window of this web page.
All inquiries and harassment complaints filed with the District are confidential to the extent possible. Confidentiality also applies to the investigative process.
Students, or a parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who believe his/her student has been subjected to harassment by another student, teacher, administrator or other school personnel should report the incident(s) immediately to the Dignity Coordinator another school administrator, teacher, or counselor by completing the Susquehanna Valley Central School District Incident Report Form.
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 harassment has occurred, an appropriate response shall be fashioned by the appropriate administrator. 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/harassment incidents.
- We must document and follow through with proper procedures when bullying/harassment occurs.
- We are ALL responsible for protecting our students from harassment/bullying. It is the law!