School District, Police Team Up on Anti-Bullying Measures

The and are working closely together—especially this year—on anti-bullying measures with training classes and special assemblies.

State law on school bullying changed in January and went into effect Sept. 1. Assistant Superintendent Terry Luxenberg, who serves as the district’s anti-bullying coordinator, said the main changes in the policy are timelines.

“If someone reports a bullying incident,” Luxenberg said, “we have 24 hours to respond. And then we have 48 hours to launch an investigation.”

Parents must be called on the first day.

In light of recent national incidents—some in which teenagers have taken their own lives allegedly as a result of bullying—these timelines have been set and are being enforced.

Every building in the school district is planning age-appropriate activities this year, Luxenberg said, which is something the district has always done to combat bullying.

State officials, members of the Child Assault Prevention Program, Rachel’s Challenge and Caring Schools are some of the avenues used by the district.

The first week in October is state-required week of respect and educational activities will be planned all week.

“There’s a lot going on,” Luxenberg said. “It’s very important.”

Teachers, custodians, food service aides and more, in addition to the students, have been trained on the signs of bullying and how to deal with the situation. Members of the Cinnaminson Police Department will also speak to the students to talk about the legal ramifications of bullying. If the bullying falls within a violation of criminal code, Public Safety Director Michael P. King said, the police get involved.

“For any reason a person fears for their physical and emotional well-being, it’s considered bullying,” King said.

The (DARE) program, led by Officer Michael Czarzasty, will include bullying in the program this year.

“We’re going to make sure we’re sending a strong message out there,” King said.

In most cases, King said, it’s about educating the students.

“Sometimes they don’t realize it’s their mere words,” he said. “We know all these kids are developing and trying to establish themselves, but if they take on these acts of bullying, it could be very damaging.”

The police department and schools will also address cyber-bullying.

Officers on day duty have implemented a walk-through of all the schools randomly throughout the day.

“Hopefully, throughout that positive interaction, some students pass on information,” King said.