Bullying Resources
Bullying, What is it?
If you believe that you have been subjected to or have witnessed discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation, please complete the form on the DASA Page.
Bullying is not an act to take lightly. Many communities think that it is something that doesn't happen in their towns. This is one of the biggest problems with bullying; not recognizing it only makes it worse. It is important for people to realize that it is a problem and we all need to work together to remove it from the hallways of our schools.
There are many different types of bullying, making it difficult to pinpoint exact incidences of bullying and teach kids to identify occurrences accurately. Bullying can happen anytime, anywhere and does frequently happen in schools and online.
A sampling of resources have been provided that may help all of us to recognize bullying and what to do once we have.
Bully Handout for Teens
Disclaimer
The web pages provided on this page are maintained by their respective organizations. The opinions expressed in these sites are the organizations' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Gouverneur Central School District.
The National Center for Bullying Prevention is helping to promote awareness and teach effective ways to respond to bullying. On the site linked below choose the sub-site appropriate to you.
The Trevor Project runs the Trevor Lifeline, a 24-hour, national crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ teens. The number is 1-866-488-7386. They have also have text and online chat services.
GLSEN strives to ensure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
STOMP Out Bullying™ is the leading national nonprofit dedicated to changing the culture for all students. It works to reduce and prevent bullying, cyberbullying, sexting and other digital abuse, educates against homophobia, LGBTQ discrimination, racism and hatred, and deters violence in schools, online and in communities across the country.
StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.
HRC Foundation's Welcoming Schools is the nation's premier professional development program providing training and resources to elementary school educators to welcome diverse families, create LGBTQ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students.
A Note From The Board President
It is the policy of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education to hear comments from the public during open session at regular board meetings. However, these public comment periods are not meant to be a discussion, and the role of the board members is to listen only and not provide feedback. In some cases, this means the board does not correct false statements or respond to allegations against school personnel or the board. When appropriate, the Superintendent or Board President may follow up with individuals to correct false information or hold a discussion at a later time.Above all, Gouverneur Central School District strives to protect the safety and dignity of all students. The District abides by strict policy procedures when it comes to allegations or concerns of bullying, and all instances are thoroughly investigated.
When a school staff member is first notified of a possible bullying situation, the situation is immediately investigated within 24 hours. School staff may take complaints or reports from parents or other relatives, students, or bystanders. These reports can be made in person, through a written message, email, or via phone call. Each and every report is documented according to NYS law in the parent log, discipline referral, or the completion of the Dignity for all Students Act (DASA) form.
Each building has Board of Education appointed designees called DASA coordinators who are responsible for handling all reports of bullying.
The District uses the following definitions as outlined in Board Policy and the Student Code of Conduct:
- Harassment: verbal threats, intimidation, or abuse that creates a hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or well-being or reasonably causes (or would be expected to cause) a student to fear for his/her safety.
- Bullying: unwanted and aggressive behavior stemming from a perceived or real imbalance of power. Repeated over time, and the victim feels helpless to respond.