Dear East Rockaway Families,

                      In 2010, New York State passed the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). This law went into effect on July 1, 2012 and protects students from harassment, discrimination and bullying by other students or school employees. It provides that no student shall be subjected to discrimination based on his or her actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, weight (or other physical features), sexual orientation, gender identity, or biological gender. DASA explicitly states that bullying, taunting, and intimidation of the protected groups listed above are all forms of harassment; however, it is not limited to those categories.

Harassment under DASA is defined as the creation of a hostile environment by:

• Intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being.
• Repeated Conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for their physical safety.

Bullying, under DASA, is defined as a hostile activity that harms or induces fear through the threat of further aggression and/or creates terror.  Bullying may be premeditated or a sudden activity.  It may be subtle or easy to identify, done by one person or a group.  Bullying often includes the following characteristics:

• Power imbalance – occurs when a bully uses his/her physical or social power over a target.
• Intent to harm – the bully seeks to inflict physical or emotional harm and/or takes pleasure in this activity.
• Threat of further aggression – the bully and the target believe the bullying will continue.
• Terror – when any bullying increases, it becomes a “systematic violence or harassment used to intimidate and maintain dominance.”  (Source:  Barbara Coloroso, The Bully, The Bullied & The Bystander, 2003)

                       In response to the law, the East Rockaway Public Schools have reviewed its curriculum and practices related to student conduct and social-emotional learning. It became clear that the District already had strong procedures and practices in place to deal with these issues.  The DASA committee members worked diligently at enhancing the curriculum and coordination, K-12.

                      Dignity Act Coordinators have been appointed in each building. They are the building principal, guidance counselors, psychologists, and the school social workers; they have been specially trained.  You can find their names on our website.

                      Dignity Act Training has been provided to all employees and will continue throughout the school year. Instruction will be given to students in an age appropriate manner regarding this act. Schools will also continue to deliver its curriculum to promote civility and citizenship through the  Second Step curriculum and other age appropriate resources. Students and teachers will continue to learn more about this topic throughout the year.  The DASA committee has organized a variety of assemblies and activities to address these issues.

                      As is always the case, a partnership between home and school is essential.  Please visit the school website for updated information on this important topic.

Sincerely,

Robert Kennedy

Director of Student Services

East Rockaway Schools