North Hills Proactive In Anti-Bullying Efforts

ROSS TOWNSHIP, PA - National Bullying Prevention Month occurs every October, and it shines the spotlight on how school districts address instances and consequences of bullying? How does the North Hills School District combat the problem?

1. Substantially interfering with a student’s education.
2. Creating a threatening environment.
3. Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

The policy also applies to cyberbullying.

Students who believe they or others have been bullied are encouraged to report such incidents to the building principal or designee. They also can use the district's online reporting tool, Safe2Say, or put the complaint in writing.

All bullying complaints are to be investigated promptly. If bullying is found to have occurred, the penalties can include counseling, a parental conference, transfer to another school building, classroom or school bus, exclusion from school-sponsored activities, detention, suspension, expulsion and referral to law enforcement officials.

Additionally, reprisal or retaliation relating to reports of bullying or participation in an investigation of allegations of bullying is prohibited and is subject to disciplinary action.

In addition to its bullying policy, the district typically participates in Safe Schools Week and celebrates Unity Day. Both events occur in October as well.