October is designated as Bullying Prevention Month, yet one month before the national awareness month begins, Macomb parents are responding to recent reports of bullying within the district and perceived threats surrounding a reported bullying incident.
On Sept. 8, 10 parents of Macomb School District No. 185 students, along with their children, gathered at the northwest corner of Chandler Park to raise awareness of purported bullying situations in the district, as well as to discuss a recent Snapchat video posted by a student, which raised concerns that quickly circulated on social media Sunday, including anonymous posters on a local group chat page.
MCUSD No. 185 Superintendent Mark Twomey added that the district has nine policies in place concerning bullying. These policies, along with the Board's bullying policy, can be found by searching 'bullying policies' at macomb185.org. As part of the district's Bullying Prevention and Response Plan, the superintendent/ designee must develop and maintain a bullying prevention and response plan that advances the district's goal of providing all students with a safe learning environment free of bullying and harassment.
Students and/or parents/guardians are also encouraged to immediately report bullying. Consistent with federal and state laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the superintendent will inform the parent(s) and/or guardian( s) of every student involved in an alleged incident of bullying and discuss services, interventions and restorative measures available. The policies also state that the superintendent/designee will promptly investigate and address reports of bullying.
"We are held to a high standard to do everything possible to end the bullying. When it comes to an actual bullying incident, there is not a standard discipline protocol, as it is completely dependent on the circumstances of the individual event," Twomey explained. "We have an obligation to do whatever is necessary to stop the bullying behavior. This may sound vague, however it's the exact reason why there is not a set protocol. 'Whatever is necessary' is vastly different for each student and each case. We have a dedicated team, and I am confident they address every situation immediately and to the best of their ability."
