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District reports HIB self‑assessment compliance and expanded counseling supports
Summary
District staff told the board that each school completed the New Jersey Anti‑Bullying Bill of Rights self‑assessment (rubric max score 78), described online reporting improvements and named building HIB specialists; counselors summarized mindfulness, restorative practices and community partnerships to reduce incidents.
Jean Muzi (standing in for Melanie Philmeier) reviewed the district’s annual Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) self‑assessment required under New Jersey’s Anti‑Bullying Bill of Rights. She said the law — implemented in 2011 and updated in 2019 — requires a district self assessment at the end of each school year using a specific rubric; the total possible score is 78 and a basic implementation yields a mid‑range baseline score. Muzi listed the district’s HIB specialists by building and described the shift from paper records to an online HIB reporting portal that preserves signatures, dates and follow‑up actions.
Elementary counselors Trisha Burns (Eldridge Park) and Kristen Hobson (Slackwood) presented school‑level prevention and response practices: mindfulness and breathing techniques, Zones of Regulation, Second Step social‑emotional curriculum, reflection/think sheets, family circles, and partnerships with local organizations (Camp Fire New Jersey) to deliver age‑appropriate lessons on assertiveness and safety. Counselors emphasized multilingual outreach and translated 'talking points' used to connect with families who speak more than one language.
Muzi said the district regularly reviews HIB policy language and updates parent and staff communications; counselors added that, regardless of whether an incident is found to be substantiated, counselors document responses and put supports in place. Board members thanked staff and asked for continued updates; staff said the online portal and revised letters will improve compliance and documentation.
