Robert Frost Elementary School Principal Sue Anne Sullivan made a good decision when she asked directors to remove parts of the script from the play “Snow White in the Black Forest” earlier this month.
Teachers at the school considered the consciousness of the young viewers and determined the degree of put-downs was inappropriate.
Most importantly, the action showed the district is proactive about its human-dignity and anti-bullying policies.
The Lake Washington School District has taken a step forward since implementing its anti-harassment policy in 1990 (the anti-bullying policy was state mandated in 2003.)
Students are required to review a handbook every fall with their teachers and parents that outlines the district’s anti-bullying policy.
Educators and administrators have stressed to students and parents that schools will not tolerate harassment. Anti-bullying programs also emphasize that students report incidents of harassment to administrators and parents.
The number of bullying incidents that students have reported within the LWSD has grown significantly over the years, data shows. School administrators credit effective anti-bullying programs, which teach kids to report, report, report.
But what happens next?
It’s time for the district to shift its attention if they are to improve the effectiveness of the state anti-bullying policy and keep our kids safer.
Individual schools within the district should have cohesive reporting procedures and follow-up plans to ensure proper discipline and peace-of-mind to victims.
If a student reports an incident of harassment, school administrators should be required not only to investigate the allegation, but also to follow-up with the reporting student. If administrators cannot verify an allegation because there were no witnesses, then say so. If the accusation is confirmed, let the victim know. Include parents and students in the discussions about bullying cases and in the resulting disciplinary actions.
For cases of persistent bullying, develop more effective strategies.
If a student reports he or she is being bullied by the same person on more than, say, three occasions, implement an alternative plan. Assign a particular staff member or teacher to watch the victim in the hallways at busy times of the day. Find out if the victim has any classes with the alleged bully and, if so, ask the teacher to be more vigilant.
If schools are strained with budget cuts and the lack of resources hampers these creative strategies, look outside and ask for parent volunteers to be hallway monitors, classroom watchdogs – you name it. There are parents and other community members who do care and will come forward to help solve bullying problems. Just ask.
