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250 Prospect Street
Marie C. Cirasella, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
v. (201) 444-1400
f. (201) 444-3051
e. mcirasella@ midlandparkschools.k12.nj.us
August 2011
RE: Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, effective September 1, 2011
Dear Midland Park Parents/Guardians:
The New Jersey Legislature has passed the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, a new law designed to address harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) behaviors in schools (effective September 1, 2011).
Our district continues its commitment to provide safe and effective school environments. Last year, district staff was among the first in the state to participate in comprehensive training to identify HIB behaviors. This year, the staff in-service day of September 2nd will provide continued HIB training through an emphasis on creating a positive school climate focused on prevention. At the onset of the school year, teachers will also lead discussions with students to help them develop an understanding of bullying and a sense of responsibility with regard to their role in helping prevent it. It is important for students to understand that not all negative peer interactions can be categorized as bullying, and most will likely be identified as normal peer-to-peer dissonance.
As our most important partners in education, I am encouraging you to take some time before the first day of school to discuss with your child your expectations for positive behaviors and appropriate decision-making while in school. By joining us in this effort, we can maximize the impact of this critical character-building message. A good point of reference for this discussion is the student code of conduct for your child’s grade level.
The Midland Park Public School District keeps the safety and well-being of students at the forefront of its efforts. In September, the district website www.midlandparkschools.k12.nj.us will have a frequently-updated anti-bullying section located on the right-hand side of the homepage. There you will find additional information on this issue, including a link to the district policy, forms and bulletins, character education activities in our schools, and other related information. As with all district endeavors, your input is valued and appreciated—please reach out to me, your child’s principal, the district Anti-Bullying Specialist or Anti-Bullying School Specialists at any time with your questions or concerns (contact information below). Thank you.
Sincerely,
District Anti-Bullying Coordinator: Mr. Craig Rush
Phone: (201) 444-7400, ext. 206
Email: crush@midlandparkschools.k12.nj.us
Godwin & Highland Schools
Anti-Bullying Specialist: Ms. Kelly Scala
Phone: (201) 445-3880, ext. 319
Email: kscala@midlandparkschools.k12.nj.us
Principal: Ms. Danielle Bache
Phone: (201) 445-3880, ext. 308
Email: dbache@midlandparkschools.k12.nj.us
Midland Park High School
Anti-Bullying Specialist: Ms. Stacie Millman
Phone: (201) 444-7400, ext. 212
Email: smillman@midlandparkschools.k12.nj.us
Principal: Mr. Nicholas Capuano
Phone: (201) 444-7400, ext. 204
Email: ncapuano@midlandparkschools.k12.nj.us
