31 January 2011

Dear Parents,

Background: Recent events in schools across the United States have drawn our attention to the need to actively prevent bullying at our schools, and to intervene if we suspect that bullying may be occurring.  MLK, Jr. Charter School is working to ensure a bully-free environment.

Policy: MLK, Jr. Charter School prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, and retaliation. The school diligently works to maintain a positive school climate for all students. Parents and guardians are important members of our school community, and we need your support and assistance as we create a just and peaceful beloved community.

Definition: MLK, Jr. Charter School describes bullying as occurring when a person, or group of people, purposefully harms someone’s body, feelings, or belongings. Bullying is a repeated and intentional act that can occur either in person or through technology and/or electronic communication.

Reporting: Any member of our community is welcome to submit a Bullying Incident Report Form if he or she suspects that bullying may be occurring in our community.  The report may be made anonymously.  You can find the Forms and our Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan at our school office, and they will soon be available on our website (www.mlkcs.org).  You may also share your concerns with any member of our staff. All suspected bullying incidents will be investigated.

Curricula: At school, we use a number of curricula to teach students about creating a just and peaceful beloved community, including teaching our nine Dr. King Values: Respect, Cooperation, Responsibility, Learning, Social Justice, Service, Perseverance, Honesty, and Beloved Community; Second Step: A Violence Prevention Curriculum; as well as Safe and Caring Schools (for grades K-3) and Massachusetts Anger Reduction Center (for grades 4-5).  In addition, our technology teacher gives lessons to all students on internet safety and cyberbullying.  Our Computer Use Policy expressly prohibits cyberbullying: “Purposefully harming someone’s body, feelings, or belongings is expressly prohibited, including use of technology or electronic messages to repeatedly and intentionally intimidate or bully others.”  Our Family School Cooperative will be offering more information about what we as a school do to prevent bullying, and what you can do with your children at home to prevent bullying.

Conclusion: MLK, Jr. Charter School is committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment that is free from bullying and cyberbullying.  This commitment is an integral part of our comprehensive efforts to build beloved community, to promote learning, and to prevent and eliminate all forms of bullying and other harmful and disruptive behavior that can impede the learning process.  Thank you for your support and assistance in this important work.

Sincerely,

Alan M. Katz

Executive Director