Aligned with Hamburg Central School District's mission statement and goals, our schools are continuously cultivating safe and positive learning environments. To assist with this ongoing process, New York State governor, David Patterson, signed a bill on September 13, 2010 known as the Dignity for All Students Act.
This law amends the New York Education Law to prohibit harassment against students in school, including harassment based on real or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression) and sex, and to prohibit discrimination based on these same characteristics. The prohibition would apply to all public schools in the state (Prideagenda.org).
New York State defines harassment as "the creation of a hostile environment by conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would unreasonably interfere with educational performance, opportunities, benefits or physical or emotional well-being or cause fear for physical safety."
(http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/dignity-all-students-act)
How does this affect my child?
Your child will receive information through school-wide presentations as well as handouts on various topics. Some of these topics include, but are not limited to: The definition of bullying, cyberbullying, strategies to respond to bullying, and how to be a good friend.
Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct.
What do I need to know as a parent?
The Hamburg Central School District is committed to providing a safe environment which will be reinforced through staff trainings on anti-bullying. Additional staff development on these topics will be organized and evaluated by district and building level administrators to effectively meet the needs of all students.
Resource: http://www.stopbullying.gov