Bullying Survey Introduced To School Board

By Larissa Lytwyn

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Alice Jackson introduced the Newtown School District “School Climate Survey” during the school board’s March 2 meeting. The survey should be administered to a random, cross-grade sample of families over the next few months.

Last year, under the state’s mandate that all bullying incidents be reported to district administrators, about ten incidents of repeated bullying were reported to Ms Jackson. All but one of the incidents occurred at the elementary or middle school level.

Greater numbers are likely to have occurred but went unreported.

The survey, drawn from antibullying curriculum used at the middle school level, asks parents how often, during the last month, their child “was hit, pushed or kicked by other kids,” whether “other kids said mean things or teased” their children, took belongings, excluded them from activities, or physically or verbally threatened their child.

The survey then asks if the incident was orchestrated by a boy, girl, or group, where it happened, and whether the child informed anyone outside of his or her family.

The assessment will also help administrators determine how safe children feel in various school locations, from the hallways and classrooms to the playground and cafeteria.

The school’s overall climate is examined through parents reporting on a variety of criteria including whether their child sees other students defending someone who is being picked on, if the school emphasizes a spirit of inclusion in all activities, whether parental involvement is valued at the school, and whether children who misbehave take up a lot of the teachers’ time.

The child’s gender, ethnicity, grade level, and mode of transportation are also noted.

While the surveys will be anonymous, Ms Jackson said she hopes to gain insight into “the overall feeling” of schools.

“Currently, we have boxes in Newtown Middle School that allow students to anonymously report incidences of bullying,” she added.

Board members David Nanavaty and Tom Gissen expressed concern about older students.

“Bullying among high school students can be more aggressive,” noted Mr Gissen, alluding to national reports of bullying victims retaliating against their antagonists through violence, including murder.

Mr Nanavaty referred to a hazing incident that occurred a few years go at Trumbull High School.

While the survey will be administered to families with high school freshmen, Ms Jackson remained open to administering the survey to even higher-grade levels.

“I think it is also important that [recently appointed] spring coaches be made especially aware this year of our current policies regarding bullying and substance abuse,” said Board Chair Elaine McClure.

The possibility of Newtown High School Principal Bill Manfredonia discussing such policies during freshman orientation and other school-to-family events was also suggested.

After being approved by the board during its next meeting March 16, the surveys will be administered with results expected back by the end of spring.

To learn more about Newtown High School’s administrative policies, visit www.newtown.k12.ct.us or call the Board of Education office at 426-7621.