Franklin Family Newsletter

August 2021

August means it is time to begin thinking about the school year. The August edition of Franklin’s Newsletter is filled with important information about things to do in preparation for the start of school, as well as significant dates and events during the first month of school.  Just a reminder that all dates are subject to change.

Principal’s Message

Welcome to the 21-22 school year!! My name is Kurt Krueger.  As the next school principal, I am excited to begin this school year with our Franklin Falcon community. I have had the fortune of spending my entire 28 year career in the School District of Janesville. I began as the physical education teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School. I then came to Franklin Middle School for nine years where I taught health and was the academic learning coach. In 2009 I became the principal at Jefferson Elementary School. Jefferson was my home for the last 12 years. When Dr. Urness left to become the superintendent in Jefferson, Wisconsin, the time was right for me to return to the middle school level in a school that has always held a special place in my heart.

 

I earned my Bachelors of Science from UW - LaCrosse, a Masters in Education Leadership from Cardinal Stritch, and I am currently working on my doctorate at Edgewood College. I believe continued success at Franklin Middle School will come from engaging our families and students, setting high academic standards, and building a sense of community. 

 

FMS has always been a community of learners that does whatever it takes to help students achieve and succeed so that everyone is college, career, and community ready. We will continue this mission and I look forward to all of the possibilities that will come with our continued partnership. 

Registration

The School District of Janesville will use the online registration process again this school year. Many of the forms required for registration will be available online on our district website:  http://www.janesville.k12.wi.us.  Online registration is open and available to parents. If you do not have the ability to register online, you can access computer resources at the public library or contact our Student Services office at 608-743-6026 for alternative methods of registration. Lifetouch will be here on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 during Ready, Set, Goal Conferences to take your student's photograph. Please check the Franklin Middle School Web Site http://franklin.janesville.k12.wi.us/ for pricing and the link to pre-order packages online.    

 

During the Ready, Set Goal Conferences, parents will be able to deposit money into student lunch accounts and receive other important school information, including athletic forms. In addition, students will receive their schedule for the school year.  Information about scheduling the Ready, Set, Goal Conferences will be coming. Please call the school office at 608-743-6000 if you have additional questions.

School Fees

School fees are $37.00 for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.  Checks for fees and yearbooks should be made out to Franklin Middle School.  You can write one check for both school fees and a yearbook or make one check for multiple students that you may be registering. You may also pay your student's school fees, any athletic fees, or deposit any lunch money online through the Infinite Campus Portal. 

Yearbooks

Yearbooks can only be purchased at Franklin Middle School or through Josten's website. Watch your email for more information about purchasing yearbooks through Josten's, please.  Yearbooks will be $20.  You can purchase yearbooks through January 31, 2022.  Yearbooks are distributed the last week of school.     

Transportation

If your child will be riding the city bus this school year and you have questions about routes and the service you may call the Janesville Transit Service (JTS) at 608-755-3150.  Bus tokens for the city bus are available for purchase in the AP Office for half price ($0.75 each). School bus routes have been traditionally published in the Janesville Gazette prior to the start of school. You may wish to study them carefully to notice any changes. Questions concerning riding the yellow school bus can be forwarded to the ESC at 608-743-5000.

Welcome, from the Student Services Team! 

Our Student Services Team focuses on promoting positive school climate, increasing academic performance and preparing students to be college, career and community ready. Contact Student Services Staff if you have any concerns regarding your student’s academic and/or social emotional development.  

 

Student Services Staff

Mrs. Amundson, Secretary – 608-743-6026, tamundson@janesville.k12.wi.us

Ms. Konstanz, School Counselor (Students in 7th grade & 8B) – 608-743-6027, jkonstanz@janesville.k12.wi.us

Mrs. Clarquist, School Counselor (Students in 6th grade & 8A) – 608-743-6028, kclarquist@janesville.k12.wi.us

Mrs. Wilker, School Psychologist – 608-743-6121, bwilker@janesville.k12.wi.us

Ms. Rudersdorf, School Social Worker - 608-743-7319, audrey.rudersdorf@janesville.k12.wi.us

 

If you are unable to reach anyone, please call Tammy Fredricks, Franklin Building Secretary at 608-743-6006 or email tfredricks@janesville.k12.wi.us

Ready, Set, Goal Conferences

 Franklin Middle School kicks off the new school year with Ready, Set, Goal Conferences on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. These 20 minute conferences give parents, students, and teachers an opportunity to meet and get to know each other. 

 

Your student’s Advisor will contact you to share the link for you to schedule your conference. Time slots are available from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. You and your student are only expected to be at school on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 during the time you scheduled for this conference. If you have any questions about Ready, Set, Goal Conferences, you may call the main office at 608-743-6000.

 

Please remember, the only required attendance on the first day of school, Wednesday, September 1, 2021, is during a student’s scheduled Ready, Set, Goal Conference.

 

 

 

Back-To-School Dance  

The Franklin Athletic Department will be hosting a back-to-school dance on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. The cost of the tickets will be $5.00 when purchasing during the lunch hours.Advanced ticket sales will start on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 during each lunch period here at Franklin. Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase during the dance.  Tickets purchased at the door will be $7.00.

Breakfast  

Franklin offers a breakfast program to students. Breakfast is free to ALL students. Students may enter the cafeteria at 7:45 a.m. to receive breakfast. Breakfast will be taken to advisory to eat.

4, 3, 2, 1 Grading Scale

The standards are aligned with the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Math, and the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards in all other subject areas. Student achievement is measured based on student ability to meet the standards put in place for specific content areas.  Depending on the level at which a student is able to meet a standard, the student achievement will be evaluated on a 4,3,2,1 grading scale.  These numbers do not correlate with letter grades.  The grading scale is similar to the Janesville Elementary Schools and is detailed in the chart below.  It is the objective of the District for students to obtain 3’s, while offering them the chance to demonstrate higher level thinking, resulting in 4’s.  Teachers will determine if a standard is met through a variety of assessments.  In addition, specific teacher comments regarding life skills such as responsibility and attitude will also be reported by subject area.  Parents will be able to view ongoing progress on Family Access, and report cards will be sent home with students at the end of each quarter.  The last report card of the year will be mailed to parents. 

 

4.0) In addition to 3.0 performance, demonstrates in-depth understanding and application that goes beyond the learning goals.

3.0) Demonstrates mastery regarding the information and/or processes (simple or complex) of the learning goals.

2.0) Demonstrates mastery regarding the simpler details and processes, and demonstrates partial understanding regarding the more complex ideas and processes of the learning goals.

1.0) With help, a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes and some of the more complex ideas and processes of the learning goals.

STOP, DROP, AND GO!

We have painted areas in our front circle to assist with dropping your student(s) off in the morning. Please pull forward to the lowest numbered slot so that cars can enter from N. Crosby Avenue. 

Fall Fundraiser

September 9 - 22

 

Our annual fall fundraiser is back this year.  Pinnacle Fundraiser will be here during Ready, Set, Goal Conferences to answer any questions and have samples.  The kick off is September 9th and orders are collected through September 22.  

 

Again this year we will have a drive-thru order pick up on Monday, November 8, 2021.  Just stop, hit your trunk release, and the order will be placed inside your vehicle! 

Franklin Middle School Athletics

Season One sports offered to Franklin Middle School students are as follows:

 

Football (7-8th Grade)

Softball (7-8th Grade)

Golf (6-8th Grade)

Tennis (6-8th Grade)

 

Football equipment handout will take place on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Football practice will start on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.  Golf, Softball, and Tennis practice will begin on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.  PE T-shirts are highly recommended and will also be available for purchase during RSG at the Athletic Station for $9.00.    

Rec Night Information

Although held at Franklin, Rec. Nights are events sponsored and operated by Janesville’s Leisure Services.  Leisure Services rents the building from the school district.  They are in charge of supervision and policies related to Rec Nights.  They always have several paid Leisure Service staff members at Rec Night, and parent volunteers are always encouraged to help out. Please contact Leisure Services if you would be able to help out with any future Rec Nights.  The Leisure Service Staff always strives to contract one off-duty Janesville Police Officer to be on duty; however, this is not always possible.  

 

If you send a check to cover the entry fee, please make out the check to “Janesville Leisure Services.”

 

We do know that many of the problems that have occurred over the years related to Rec Night actually happen when the event has ended, and students are waiting outside for rides.  Rec Night ends at 9:00 p.m., so please pick up your student at that time.

 

If you have any Rec Night questions or concerns, please feel free to contact: Leisure Services at 608-755-3030

 

2021-2022 Rec Night Dates:  November 12, January 14, February 18, April 22 and May 20. 

Attendance Office

Please remember, if you are calling about a student’s absence, medical appointment, medication, dropping off lunch money, requesting homework, or leaving a message for a student, please call the attendance office at 608-743-6030. You can also reach Mrs. Leckey at 608-743-6032 or Mrs. Peo at 608-743-6031. 

Franklin Middle School Calendar Information

FOR A FULL CALENDAR AND SCHOOL INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

http://www.janesville.k12.wi.us/fra

 

Taking Flight		Monday, August 16, 2021
Optional Teacher Work Day		Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Teacher Work Days		Wednesday, August 18 - Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Ready, Set, Goal Conferences	8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (by appointment)	Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Picture Day		Wednesday, September 1, 2021
First Full Day for Students	8:00 a.m. - 3:23 p.m.	Thursday, September 2, 2021
Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)		Monday, September 6, 2021
Fundraiser Kickoff		Thursday, September 9, 2021
Back to School Dance	5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.	Friday, September 17, 2021
Fundraiser Turn in Date		Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Picture Re-Take Day		Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Scoopie Night (W Court St)	4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.	Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Parent Teacher Conferences	4:00 – 7:00 p.m. (by appointment)	Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Parent Teacher Conferences (No School)	8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (by appointment)	Thursday, October 21, 2021
No School for Staff & Students		Friday, October 22, 2021
Middle & High School Only	End of First Quarter	Thursday, October 28, 2021
Middle & High School Only	No School	Friday, October 29, 2021
Fundraiser Distribution	3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.	Monday, November 8, 2021
Rec Night	7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.	Friday, November 12, 2021
Scoopie Night (W Court)	4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.	Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Winter Break Begins	No School	Wednesday, December 22, 2021
School Resumes	8:00 a.m. - 3:23 p.m.	Monday, January 3, 2022

 

Important Phone Numbers

Main Office 608-743-6000

Attendance Office 608-743-6030

Asst. Principal Office 608-743-6007

Student Services 608-743-6026

Athletic Office 608-743-6021

 

 

 

Be sure to like us on Facebook.   https://www.facebook.com/franklin.middle.sdj

 

National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

We are pleased to inform you that Franklin Middle School will be implementing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) while participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2021-2022 School Year.

 

What does this mean for you and your children attending Franklin Middle School?

 

All Franklin students are eligible for a free breakfast and a free lunch daily. This does not include extra milk, cold lunch milk, or ala carte purchases.

 

The district will still be requesting applications from households with a student participating in the CEP. Completing the application is necessary for other programs, funding,and may be used to determine if your household is eligible for additional benefits.

 

Please  contact Jim Degan, School Nutrition Manager, at 608-743-5132.

 

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

 

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

 

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

 

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider

 

 

Schoolwide Title I Program Notice

 

As a school with a large low-income population, Franklin Middle School receives federal Title I funds to support the learning of all students through a Schoolwide Title I Program. Schoolwide programs serve all children in a school. All staff, resources, and classes are part of the overall schoolwide program. The purpose is to ensure all students, including those most in need, are positioned to meet the state's challenging academic standards. Schoolwide Title I schools annually complete a needs assessment to identify the school’s strengths and areas for improvement in student achievement, develop strategies and action steps to address how the goals identified will be achieved, and evaluates and updates the plan as needed.

Schoolwide Title I schools are required to engage parents and families in the Title I planning and evaluation process as well as provide opportunities for parents and families to engage in supporting their child’s education.  Copies of the Schoolwide Title I Plan and the Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy are available upon request. Please contact the school secretary at (608)743-6000 or tfredricks@janesville.k12.wi.us to request a copy.

Title 1 ~ Franklin Middle School is a schoolwide Title 1 school.  What does that mean for your child?  It means access to highly qualified teachers, including Title 1 teachers, to support students in reading and math.  Title 1 services can include, but are not limited to, extra support in the math and reading classrooms, small group instruction, and targeted interventions.  Here at Franklin, our Title 1 teachers are shared with Edison Middle School.  They are Mrs. Laura Steele (lsteele@janesville.k12.wi.us) and Mrs. Dawn Skrzypchak (dskrzypchak@janesville.k12.wi.us).  Being a Title 1 school also increases funding for teacher professional development, technology upgrades, family nights, and other resources for students, staff, and parents.

Moving?

If you will be moving from your current home address please contact Franklin Middle school office at 608-743-6026 as soon as possible to determine what paperwork you will need to fill out for your child to continue attending his/her current school.  Please note: if you are moving to an address outside the School District of Janesville in most cases your child is eligible to continue attending the School District of Janesville as long as you complete the appropriate paperwork within the required timeline.

 

If you have any questions about school placement for a particular address please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152.  The New Student Enrollment Office is open year round.

 

If you are the parent of an elementary student and will be moving over the summer months when the elementary schools are closed, please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152 or the New Student Enrollment Office at 743-5072 or 743-5153 to complete the appropriate paperwork.

Request for School Transfer/Placement (Intra District Transfers) within the School District of Janesville Attendance Areas

Due to Move:

If you move within the School District of Janesville during the school year and wish to remain at your current school, please ask the school office for a Request to Remain in Current School Following Move to New Attendance Area Form (blue).  Complete the form and return it to the school office.

Due to Parent Choice:

If you wish to apply to have your student transferred/placed in another school within the district next school year (2021-2022), please ask the school office for a School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow).  Completed forms will be accepted from December 1 through December 13, 2020 only.  Submit your Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow) to your home school attendance area office. Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/ Placement Within the School District will be notified of approval or disapproval by January 15, 2021.  Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District for incoming Kindergarten students will be notified of approval or non-approval after they have enrolled their child during the Kindergarten Enrollment period with the New Student Enrollment Office.  If you have questions, please contact the school office of your home school attendance area.

 

School District of Janesville

Annual Notice of Special Education 

Referral and Evaluation Procedures

 

Upon request, the School District of Janesville is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the district receives a referral, the district will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district.

 

A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made. Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides.

 

Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Ms. Kimberli Peerenboom, Director of Pupil Services, School District of Janesville, at 608-743-5061, or by writing to her at 527 S. Franklin Street, Janesville, WI.

School District of Janesville 

Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information Obtained Through Child Find Activities

 

The School District of Janesville is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children.  The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find.  This agency conducts the following child find activities each year in the form of Early Childhood and Speech and Language Developmental Screenings. This notice informs parents of the records the school district will develop and maintain as part of its child find activities.  This notice also informs parents of their rights regarding any records developed.

The school district gathers personally identifiable information on any child who participates in child find activities.  Parents, teachers, and other professionals provide information to the school related to the child’s academic performance, behavior, and health.  This information is used to determine whether the child needs special education services.  Personally identifiable information directly related to a child and maintained by the school is a pupil record. Pupil records include records maintained in any way including, but not limited to, computer storage media, video and audiotape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Records maintained for personal use by a teacher and not available to others and records available only to persons involved in the psychological treatment of a child are not pupil records.

 

The school district maintains several classes of pupil records.

 

"Progress records" include grades, courses the child has taken, the child's attendance record, immunization records, required lead screening records, and records of school extra-curricular activities. Progress records must be maintained for at least five years after the child ceases to be enrolled.

 

"Behavioral records" include such records as psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, written statements relating specifically to the pupil's behavior, tests relating specifically to achievement or measurement of ability, physical health records other than immunization and lead screening records, law enforcement officers' records, and other pupil records that are not "progress records." Law enforcement officers' records are maintained separately from other pupil records. Behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year after the child graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled, unless the parent specifies in writing that the records may be maintained for a longer period of time. The school district informs parents when pupil records are no longer needed to provide special education. At the request of the child's parents, the school district destroys the information that is no longer needed.

 

"Directory data" includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the student.

 

"Pupil physical health records" include basic health information about a pupil, including the pupil's immunization records, an emergency medical card, a log of first aid and medicine administered to the pupil, an athletic permit card, a record concerning the pupil's ability to participate in an education program, any required lead screening records, the results of any routine screening test, such as for hearing, vision or scoliosis, and any follow-up to the test, and any other basic health information, as determined by the state superintendent. Any pupil record relating to a pupil's physical health that is not a pupil physical health record is treated as a patient health care record under sections 146.81 to 146.84, Wisconsin Statutes. Any pupil record concerning HIV testing is treated as provided under section 252.15, Wisconsin Statutes.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and section 118.125, Wisconsin Statutes, afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") the following rights with respect to education records:

The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of receipt of the request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school district will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting about an individualized education program, or any due process hearing, and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. If any record includes information on more than one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information about their child or to be informed of that specific information. Upon request, the school district will give a parent or eligible student a copy of the progress records and a copy of the behavioral records. Upon request, the school district will give the parent or eligible student a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the district for special education. The school district will respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. A representative of the parent may inspect and review the records.

 

The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask The School District of Janesville to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent. The exceptions are stated in 34 CFR 99.31, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and section 118.125(2)(a) to (m) and sub. (2m), Wisconsin Statutes. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Also the district discloses "directory data" without consent, unless the parent notifies the district that it may not be released without prior parental consent.

 

The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Board Policy 5030

Students Bullying Prevention

The School District of Janesville Board of Education strives to provide an educational environment where every student feels safe, respected and welcomed.  The Board also strives to provide an educational environment where every staff member can serve students in an atmosphere that is free from significant disruptions and obstacles that impede learning and performance. Bullying can have harmful social, physical, psychological and/or academic effects for those who engage in these behaviors, victims of such behaviors, and bystanders who observe acts of bullying.  The District prohibits any form of bullying behavior by students towards other students, school employees, volunteers, or any other person(s).

Bullying includes aggressive or hostile behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power between the bully and the bullied. Bullying is a form of victimization and is not necessarily a result of or part of an on-going conflict. Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress or property damage. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, behaviors motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor including sex, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, color, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability.  Bullying may also be motivated by any other distinguishing factor such as gender identity, physical appearance, or social, economic or family status.

Examples of acts of bullying include physical intimidation, force or assault, humiliation, sexual or racist remarks, extortion, verbal or written threats, taunting, put downs, name calling, threatening or menacing looks or gestures, spreading cruel rumors, and social exclusion.  This includes acts of cyber-bullying that involve sending or posting inappropriate, insulting or threatening messages or images through electronic communication systems such as the Internet, e-mail, cell phones or other personal devices.

Bullying is prohibited on District grounds, at District-related activities, or on transportation to and from school or District-sponsored activities. Harassing bullying behavior is prohibited in all educational environments, regardless of whether the facility or location is owned, leased, or otherwise used or provided by the District. 

Acts of bullying that originate off school premises and outside of the school’s control may be subject to the provisions of this policy and related procedures if the conduct is determined to be substantially disruptive to the educational process and the day-to-day operations of a school.  This includes, but is not limited to, threats made outside of school hours that communicate intent to be carried out during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, or on any vehicles used for transportation to and from school and school-sponsored activities.

All complaints about bullying shall be promptly investigated. The District shall respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as practicable and in a manner consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, take appropriate action, and conform to discovery or disclosure requirements. Disclosure of information related to the complaint shall be made only to those with a legitimate need to know.  All records generated as a result of the complaint and appeal processes shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

If the investigations find bullying has occurred, school officials shall take prompt and necessary action up to and including behavioral interventions and support, disciplinary action, and/or referral to law enforcement officials or social services.  Consequences shall be unique to the nature of the behavior, the developmental level of the student, and the history of problem behaviors.  Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent other occurrences, and protect the victim.

The District shall also take appropriate action against any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior.

Employees found to have facilitated or participated in bullying behavior against students or to have been aware that bullying was taking place and failed to report the behavior are considered to be in violation of the prohibition expressed by this policy and may be subject to disciplinary action.

This policy shall be distributed annually to all students enrolled in the School District, parents/guardians, and all District employees.  It shall also be distributed to organizations in the community having cooperative agreements with the schools.  The District shall provide a copy of the policy to any person upon request.

Records shall be maintained on the number and types of reports made, and sanctions imposed for violations of this policy in accordance with established procedures.

Administrative Regulation 5030.1

STUDENTS BULLYING COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

It is the responsibility of all students, school staff members, parents/guardians and other concerned individuals who observe or become aware of acts of bullying to report such acts to an administrator or other school staff member.

 

Complaints that involve bullying related to one or more of the characteristics or factors protected by state and federal nondiscrimination laws shall be processed in accordance with established “Student Discrimination Complaint Procedures.” All other complaints of bullying shall be processed in accordance with the following procedures:

 

Step One    

Any claims of bullying shall be presented to the principal or designee. Students may also report their concerns to teachers or counselors who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. Complaints against the principal shall be filed with the District Administrator.  Complaints against the District Administrator shall be filed with the Board president. Information may be initially presented anonymously.  All such information shall be reported in writing and shall include the specific nature of the offense and corresponding dates using the applicable district incident report form.

 

Step Two    

The school official receiving the complaint shall conduct a prompt investigation to verify the facts to determine the validity and seriousness of the incident. Parents/guardians shall be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The school official shall arrange necessary interviews with all concerned parties. The school official conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents/guardians, as appropriate, in writing when the investigation is concluded.

 

All findings related to the complaint shall be reported in writing to the Director of Student Services. When it is determined that a student participated in bullying behavior, the report to the Director of Student Services shall include notification of the consequences and/or interventions to be imposed including, but not limited to warnings, exclusion from certain areas of the school, detentions, behavioral interventions, suspension, expulsion, and referral to law enforcement officials and/or social services.

 

Step Three    

If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, or other school official conducting the initial investigation, he/she may appeal the decision by giving written notice to the District Administrator or next highest level or authority within five (5) days after the receipt of the written decision.  The District Administrator or other school official shall schedule and hold a meeting with the involved parties within fifteen (15) days. The District Administrator or other school official shall, within five (5) days after the meeting, deliver a written response to the complainant and to the accused. The decision at this step shall be final. 

 

Consequences for Retaliation Violations

Any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying, or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior, shall be subject to disciplinary actions and/or referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.

 

Interventions for Students Involved in Bullying

The District will make available evidence-based resources and comprehensive research-based programs to address bullying.  Program support may include coaching, training, reporting templates, surveys and evaluation tools, staff training, student skill training, restorative justice, and program-implementation support.

 

Students Who Have Been Bullied Will Be Supported by:

Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.

Offered ongoing support with the goal of restoring self-esteem and self-confidence.

 

Students Who Have Bullied Will Be Helped by:

Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice. 

 

Identifying the bullying behavior and the need to change the behavior. 

Developing a plan to make amends for the incident. 

Informing parents/guardians to help change the attitude and behavior of the student.

 

Maintenance of Complaint Records

The maintenance of complaint records is recommended for the purpose of documenting compliance.  Records shall be kept for each complaint filed and, at a minimum, include the following:

 

Name and address of the complainant and his/her title or status,

Date the complaint was filed,

Specific allegation made and any corrective action requested by the complainant,

Name and address of the respondents,

Levels of processing followed, and the resolution, date and decision-making authority at each level,

Summary of facts and evidence presented by each party involved, and

Determination of the facts, statement of the final resolution, and the nature and date(s) of any corrective or remedial action taken.      

           

Definitions:

General Definition Bullying:

Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress, property damage, or impact the learning environment. Bullying is sometimes distinguished from harassment when the behavior involves repeated incidents and involves an imbalance of power.  

 

Discriminatory Bullying:

This occurs when acts of bullying are related to, or motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor that includes sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, color, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap. Such incidents shall be handled in accordance with the district’s student nondiscrimination policies and procedures. 

 

Types of Bullying:

Physical:  Physical bullying involves harmful actions against a person’s body.  Examples include, but are not limited to: shoving, striking, kicking, tripping, choking, pinching, poking, spitting, biting, hair-pulling, hazing, excessive tickling, and inappropriate touching. This also involves interfering with another person’s property and stealing. 

 

Verbal:  Verbal bullying involves speaking to a person or about a person in a way that is derogatory, unkind or hurtful. Examples include but are not limited to: teasing, name-calling, insulting or inappropriate remarks, threatening, spreading rumors, and making discriminatory remarks or false accusations.

 

Non-verbal/Emotional:  Non-verbal bullying refers to behaviors that upset, exclude, or embarrass others. Examples include, but are not limited to: intentionally leaving a person out of a game or activity, extortion, manipulating friends, ostracizing, pressuring peers, making rude gestures such as poking out tongue or staring, writing hate notes about a person that will be upsetting to that person.

 

Cyberbullying:  Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio, video, e-mail, cell phones, pager service or website postings) that defames, intimidates, harasses or is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostile and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identify. In addition, any communication of this form that disrupts or prevents a safe and positive educational or working environment may also be considered cyberbullying.

 

Bullying by Proxy:  Bullying by proxy occurs when someone engages in such behavior through another person or on behalf of another person.

 

Hazing:  Hazing includes bullying behavior directed against another student or students for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, class, club or team sponsored or supported by a school or the school district regardless of students’ willingness to participate. Prohibited acts may include, but are not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.

Administrative Regulation 5030.2

Students

A bullying incident report is available at any time in the main office at Franklin Middle School.