School committee accepts Grafton Public Schools Bullying Prevention Intervention Plan for 2025–26

The Grafton School Committee voted June 10 to accept the Grafton Public Schools Bullying Prevention Intervention Plan for 2025–26.

Dr. Cummings told the committee that Massachusetts law requires districts to review their bullying prevention plans regularly; this year staff made only administrative edits such as updating contact names and dates because there were no state law changes affecting the plan. He recommended the committee accept the plan and record in the minutes that it was discussed.

Committee members asked about communication and reporting. One member asked how the anonymous reporting system is communicated to parents; administrators said the district has a districtwide anonymous reporting system accessible on students' devices and that the district rolled out an anonymous reporting program at middle and high schools with the help of Officer Alves following a grant. "The kids have it on their phones, on their iPads, on their Chromebooks," an administrator said, adding that initial use generates a high volume of minor reports until the system stabilizes.

Members recommended clearer communications to families at the start of the school year and periodic reminders; the Communications Subcommittee was asked to help package a short reminder for families about reporting protocols and who to contact.

A motion to accept the Bullying Prevention Intervention Plan of June 2025 was made, seconded and approved; the chair recorded "Motion carries 4‑0." Staff were thanked for the plan and instructed to produce family‑facing reminders and reporting links.