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Dignity for All Students
At Hillside Elementary School, we believe all students are entitled to attend a school free from harassment, bullying, discrimination, and cyberbullying.
The New York State Legislature has passed the Dignity for All Students Act which became effective July 1, 2012. The Dignity for All Students Act, referred to as DASA, states that no student shall be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students either on school property or at a school function. DAC prohibits harassment or discrimination based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color of skin, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender.
The Dignity Act requires that at least one staff member at every school be thoroughly trained to handle human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, and sex (Education Law §13[3]). This staff member should be referred to as the Dignity Act Coordinator (DAC).
Dignity Act Coordinator (School): Michael LaRocco
LaRoccoM@hohschools.orgDignity Act Coordinator (District): Melissa Szymanski
SzymanskiM@hohschools.orgIf any student believes they have been subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students on school property or at a school function, they may complete the complaint form below. Families and members of the school community may also complete a form when they believe an incident has taken place that requires investigation and follow-up.
Instruction for Students
In order to foster civility:
- Second Step
- PBIS
- Digital Citizenship
- Health Education
Student Rights
No student shall be subjected to discrimination based on their actual or perceived:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Disability
- Sex
- Weight
- Ethnic group
- Religion
- Religious practice
- Sexual orientation
- Gender (including gender identity and expression)
- Other (Describe) ___________________________
Bullying
Bullying is the intentional, unprovoked abuse of power by one or more individuals to inflict pain on or cause distress to another individual on repeated occasions
- The behavior can take many forms including physical, verbal and emotional abuse, social exclusion, intimidation, racial/ethnic slurs, and sexual harassment
- Bullying online and through digital technologies is known as cyber-bullying
US Department of Education defines bullying as
- An Imbalance of Power
- The Intent to Cause Harm
- Repetition
Cyberbullying
“Cyberbullying” shall mean harassment or bullying as defined above where such harassment or bullying occurs through any form of electronic communication.
What to Do About Cyberbullying?
- Students should not react to the bully
- Students should block or delete the bully
- Students should always share with a trusted adult
- Report inappropriate behavior to the site
- Save evidence with a screenshot
- Speak with an adult or the Dignity Act Coordinator in your school
- If the cyberbullying consists of threats of violence, lewd material, stalking, or hate crimes, reach out to local law enforcement
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct applies to all students, school personnel and visitors on school property and grounds; at school-related events, activities and functions; during a school sponsored trip; on school transportation; and at all school sponsored programs whether offsite or onsite.
Appropriate Use Policy
Students are expected to use technology in an acceptable manner. These expectations have been defined by the Board of Education in their Acceptable Use Policy.
Resources
NYSED DASA Website
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/
NYSED DASA Brochure
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/documents/DignityActBrochureUpdateFinal.pdf
