Student Transportation Handbook

StudentTransportation
Handbook
Office of Student Transportation
Detroit Public Schools
Revised August 2015
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter ……………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 3
Parent/Student Agreement………………………………………………………………………....
Page 4
Student Conduct ………………………………………………………………………………….........
Page 5
Safety Net Student.……………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 6
Bus & Transportation Rules …………………………………………………………………………….
Page 7
Bus Safety Tips …………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 8
Bus Accident Procedures ………………………………………………………………………………
Page 9
Emergency School Closing …………………………………………………………………………….
Page 10
Student Rights…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Page 11
Damage Policy ………………………………………………………………………………………….
Page 12
Anti-Bully and Harassment Policy ……………………………………………………………………
Page 13
Detroit Public School’s Transportation Office
Business Hours 6:00am – 6:00pm
James Minnick, Senior Deputy Executive Director (313) 945-8600
Transportation Service Providers
ABC Student Transportation……………………………………………………………………………... (313) 835-2700
Trinity Transportation………………………………………………………………………………………(313) 945-9324
Safeway Transportation ……………………………………………………………………………………(313) 892-1350
DHT Transportation ………………………………………………………………………………………..(313) 895-1300
Checker Cab …………………………………………………………………………………………………(313) 963-5005
City Cab ……………………………………………………………………………………………………...(313) 833-7060
Detroit Highland Cab ……………………………………………………………………………………….(313) 841-6000
Greater Detroit Cab ………………………………………………………………………………………...(313) 962-2432
2 WELCOME
The Detroit Public Schools Office of Transportation would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your
child/children who qualify for student transportation to and from school each day. Our mission is to provide a safe
and efficient means of transportation for all eligible students.
The Administrative staff and the employees who make up the Transportation Department and Transportation
Service Providers (TSP) understand that the ride to school can set the tone for the entire day for your child and the
learning process. Therefore, it is very important that you and your child/children understand the Rules and Code of
Conduct that govern a safe trip to and from school.
Enclosed is a copy of the bus rules for you to review with your child. Also, enclosed is a receipt for parents to sign
acknowledging that you have read the rules to your child and understand the rules required for a safe ride to and
from school. Please return the enclosed Parent/Student Agreement to your child’s school by September 1, 2015. Students
must have the form signed and returned before your child/children will be allowed to ride the bus for the upcoming
academic school year.
We have also enclosed a Student Contact card that must be completed and returned to your child’s school. Contact
information must be updated and forwarded to the school whenever your personal information changes.
Sincerely,
James Minnick
James Minnick
Senior Deputy Executive Director
Office of Student Transportation
3 PARENTS/STUDENT AGREEMENT
2015-2016 ACADEMIC YEAR
The Student Transportation Handbook and transportation rules are to be discussed with your child/children. This
sheet must be signed by parent/guardian and the student. This form must be returned to the school office within
five (5) days after receipt.
I hereby acknowledge that I have read the Student Transportation Handbook and acknowledge my understanding
of the rules and responsibilities, which my child and I must follow. I understand that a violation of any of these
rules may result in the suspension of bus service to my child and that I will be responsible for providing
transportation for my child in that event. I have also completed the Student Information Card and enclosed the card
with this Parent/Student Agreement.
_____________________________________
__________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
_____________________________________
___________
Student Signature
Date
_____________________________________
___________
School Administrator
Date
**Please return this form to your child’s school. This form will be placed in the student’s file**
** You will also be responsible for keeping all contact information updated so that the Transportation
Department can contact you in case of an emergency.**
4 Student Conduct
The Detroit Public Schools places great emphasis on proper student conduct on school buses. It is a team effort that
requires the cooperation of students, bus drivers, parents, and school administrators.
One of the leading causes of bus accidents is driver distraction due to student misbehavior.
Code of Conduct
The school bus or other vehicle shall be considered an extension of the school itself. Therefore, all school rules,
Code of Conduct and all applicable policies that govern student conduct in school buildings and on school grounds
are extended to school vehicles used to transport students and Transportation Service Providers. Student
transportation service may be suspended or terminated, in order to enforce rules of conduct on buses and at bus
stops.
The Transportation of students is governed by Section II “Jurisdiction” of the Student Code of Conduct.
“The Student Code of Conduct provides that offenses are prohibited whenever they
occur on school grounds, on school buses, during school-sponsored field trips, when connected with
school related events and activities and when students are en route to or from school. Each off premise
incident must be treated individually. Specific consideration will be given, for example,
when the incident involves the student’s proximity to the school, the length of time elapsed since
the student was on school premises, whether there is a connection to an on-premise altercation or
confrontation, whether the student stopped at a restaurant or store on the way home, and whether
the student has returned to the custody of his/her parents.
Students are advised that all staff employed by the School District of the City of Detroit are
required to function in accordance with this code. Thus, whenever an employee discovers a
student engaging in unacceptable conduct, the employee is required to take prompt action. Prompt
action may include directly addressing the student, seeking the assistance of other staff persons
and/or reporting the incident to an administrator.
When students engage in unacceptable conduct, they will be subject to disciplinary action. In all
instances, disciplinary measures shall be administered to correct the behavior of the student.”
Copies of the Student Code of Conduct can be found online at
http://detroitk12.org/resources/students/codeOfConduct/ or at your child’s school.
Discipline Procedures
All students who ride district transportation to or from school are subject to the bus rules in addition to the Student
Code of Conduct. Conduct that distracts the driver is a serious hazard to the safe operation of the vehicle and as
such jeopardizes the safety of all the passengers. The driver reserves the right to take immediate action to protect
the occupants of the bus from danger. If a student is found to have created a dangerous environment, the
Transportation Department reserves the right to suspend student transportation services until the Administrator
conducts a school level conference between parent/ student, Transportation Department, and the Administrator.
The student (s) transportation services may be reinstated with a written notification by DPS. The written notification
by a DPS Administrator is required to reinstate transportation services.
5 Safety Net Students
Upon the initial determination that a parent/guardian is not at the specified drop off location to receive the student,
the driver will continue on the route, retaining the student on the bus/cab until all other students have been
delivered. The driver will then make a second attempt to drop the student off at home. Upon returning to the
student’s drop off point, the bus/cab is to wait five minutes, during which time they are to contact their dispatcher
to inform them of a students who cannot be dropped off, also referred to as a Safety Net student. At no time is an
alternate address to be used unless authorized by the school Administrator or the Office of Student Transportation.
After the second attempt to deliver the student to the specified drop off location, the driver will be directed to bring
the student to the Westside Bus Terminal where the Safety Net Center is located. Upon arriving the Transportation
Service Provider driver/bus attendant must escort and sign the student(s) in and provide the name, address, school,
and route number of the Safety Net Students.
Once the student(s) are received at the terminal the following steps will be taken:
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The Office of Student Transportation will continue to make efforts to contact the parent/guardian using the
information provided.
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The Principal and Assistant Superintendent will be notified of the Safety Net students and other contact
information will be sought. It is the School Administrator’s responsibility to assist in locating the parent or
guardian for retrieval of the student.
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The Office of Student Transportation will notify the DPS Police Department of the Safety Net student.
If the parent/guardian cannot be located or the child has not been picked up from the Safety Net Center by 7:00 PM
EST/EDT then the student(s) will be referred to the DPS Police Department. Only after parent/guardian contact
attempts are made with no success is care for the children turned over to Child Protective Services.
Westside Bus Terminal
Safety Net Center
8145 Greenfield
Detroit, MI 48228
(313) 945-8716
Open: M – F 11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Parent Responsibility
If your child has not made it home due to no one being at the drop off location, the Parent/Guardian must
contact the Transportation office to pick up your child. If you have not retrieved your student(s) after 7:00pm
EST we will contact the DPS Police Department for them to be signed over into their custody, and DPS Police
Department reserves the right to contact Child Protective Services for further assistance.
The Office of Student Transportation will complete the necessary paper work that will go into your child’s file
and if you have repeat offences, your child will run a risk of his/her transportation privileges being suspended.
6 BUS & TRANSPORTATION RULES
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The school bus is an extension of the classroom and all school rules apply. Be courteous, use proper
language, speak quietly, and do not be destructive;
Students should arrive at the bus stop at least ( 5 ) five
minutes ahead of the scheduled pickup time;
While waiting for the bus, stay out of the roadway, but do not
stand on private property;
Line up at the stop, do not push or shove, and wait for the
bus to come to a full stop before approaching it;
Never throw snowballs or other objects at or around the bus;
Don’t fight with or tease other students around the bus stop;
During the winter months students should never wait
for the bus on snow piles. Students may slip under the
wheels of the bus or another vehicle;
Stay in your seats. Do not change seats while the bus is in motion;
Do not block the aisle with your feet or other objects;
Do not distract the driver;
Do not talk to the driver unless it is absolutely necessary or in cases of an emergency;
Cell phone use is prohibited (unless medically necessary);
No public affection of any kind is allowed on the bus, including but not limited to kissing, touching and
fondling;
There is no smoking, use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs of any kind on the school bus;
Keep your hands, feet, arms, and head inside the bus. Emergency equipment and exits must not be touched
unless they are needed;
No objects may be carried on the bus which interferes with passenger safety and comfort. All items that are
brought on the bus must be carried on the student’s lap. Examples of prohibited items include: glass
objects of any kind, pets, any other object that would cause injury or is not related to instruction;
If necessary, the bus driver may assign seats. In the interest of everyone’s safety, students must cooperate
with the driver at all times.
Students may be denied the privilege of riding the bus as a result of unacceptable behavior. Students
may only ride to/from an assigned bus stop.
The bus driver will only make stops that are authorized on their route sheets. Students who miss the bus at
school must inform the administrator or someone in authority. Parents will
need to make other arrangements. Due to scheduling conflicts, the bus
cannot return to the school. If your child gets sick during the school day it
is the parent’s responsibility to arrange for transportation home. The
school district cannot provide transportation under these circumstances.
When crossing in front of the bus- be aware of the Danger
Zones and always cross 10 feet in front of the bus at the
direction of the bus driver.
Do not eat, drink, or chew gum on the bus. Help keep the bus clean.
Do not throw papers, etc., on the floor or out the windows. There is a trash
bucket in the front of the bus and all trash should be deposited there
when you exit the bus at your bus stop.
Students should learn the emergency exits that could be used.
Emergency exits of the bus are:
a. Rear emergency door
b. Roof mounted escape hatch
c. Front entry door
7 SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
FOR PARENTS
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If your child rides a bus, have them at the bus stop five (5) minutes prior to the buses arrival.
Read and discuss the DPS Student Transportation Handbook rules with your child.
Make sure your child is wearing clothing that does not have drawstrings, toggles or key chains. They can get
caught on bus handrails and doors. The child can step off the bus, not realize a drawstring is attached and be
dragged.
Regularly, remind your child about the “Danger Zone” – anywhere within 10 feet of the bus. The danger
zones are blind spots where drivers cannot see.
FOR STUDENTS
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When waiting for the bus, stay away from the street. And don’t play around, so you are aware of traffic and
follow safety rules.
Stay away from danger zones around the bus. Always be sure you can see the driver that means the driver
can see you.
Wait for the bus to stop completely before you approach it to get on or before you stand up to get off. Watch
out for cars.
When getting on or off the bus, be very careful. Hold the handrail so you don’t trip on the stairs...
Always sit fully in the seat and face forward.
No loud voices or yelling. Talk quietly (so the driver will not be distracted).
When getting off the bus make sure you walk (not run) five steps away from
the bus.
If you drop something near the bus, don’t pick it up. The driver may not
see you. Instead, ask the driver for help.
If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.
SCHOOL DROP OFF AND PICK UP
Principals are responsible for determining locations of loading and unloading zones. The Principal will also be
responsible for establishing procedures for student staging and boarding.
8 BUS ACCIDENTS
RULES TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT OF A BUS ACCIDENT
When a school bus is involved in an accident there is a plan in place to handle this situation. The driver immediately
contacts the Transportation office and based on the severity necessary support is sent to the scene. We encourage
parents not to go to the accident scene. Listed are the guidelines for the students on the bus:
Immediately following the accident:
1. Remain calm. Don’t panic, scream or cry.
2. Stay in your seat and listen carefully for instructions
from your driver or attendant.
3. Stop all noise immediately. Do not talk. Listen for
directions from the bus driver.
If the driver is unable to TALK, MOVE from his/her
seat, or acts as if she/he is ASLEEP:
1. Remain calm. Don’t panic
2. U s e c e l l p h o n e c a l l 9 1 1
If there is SMOKE or FIRE in the bus, or if it is
in an unsafe place:
1. Immediately exit the bus quickly and orderly, just the
way you practiced in the bus drills. IN THE CASE
OF BUS FIRES STUDENTS HAVE TWO MINUTES
OR LESS TO EXIT THE BUS BEFORE THE BUS
BECOMES ENGULFED IN FIRE.
2. Help smaller students and offer help as needed to
disabled students.
3. Find a safe place at least 100 steps away from the
bus to wait for help. No one should leave the group.
If it is necessary for someone to go for help, two
older students should go for help.
4. If it is raining or snowing, look for a sheltered place
where you can keep warm and dry until help
arrives.
5. It is necessary for the bus driver to document the
names of all students riding the bus at the time of
the accident. Students should be prepared to give
their names to the bus driver at the accident scene.
6. Emergency medical and law enforcement personnel
are dispatched to the scene of all accidents
regardless of the seriousness of the accident.
Students should be advised of this so they are
prepared at the scene.
When accidents happen, there is often confusion.  Stay Calm  Think  Help Others 9 EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS
The District’s primary concern at all times is the safety and welfare of the children. Sometimes it is necessary to
close schools or delay opening of school due to unforeseen circumstances. When weather conditions are adverse,
parents are asked to stay tuned to the local radio and television stations for details on school delays or closings. Do
not call the transportation office for details because it adds to the already heavily used phone lines. It is usually
quicker to obtain information by monitoring radio or television stations, or accessing the school district website
(www.detroitk12org)
When transportation is provided on days of extreme cold, ice, heavy rain and/or snow, delays should be expected.
Drivers are repeatedly instructed to drive at a speed commensurate with the prevailing road and/or weather
conditions. Also, the number of mechanical problems may increase when the weather is cold and/or wet.
Schools are closed at the discretion of the Emergency Manager. If the closing occurs before the start of the day,
the radio stations will be informed at approximately 5:30 A.M. When weather conditions are threatening, listen to
radio and television stations for school closing information.
If schools are closed during the day, students will be sent home on the same bus they rode to school on. If other
arrangements are required it is the parent’s responsibility to contact the school with alternate emergency go
home instructions. The school will see to it that your child boards the correct bus.
The following is a list of radio and televisions stations that announce school closings and delays for our school
district.
Local Radio Stations
WWJ News Radio 9.50 AM
WJLB 97.9 FM
WMXD 92.3 FM
WGPR 107.5 FM
KISS 105.9 FM
Local Television Stations
FOX 2 Detroit
WDIV Channel 4
WXYZ Channel 7
CBS Channel 62
CW Channel 20
10 STUDENT RIGHTS
The School District of the City of Detroit ("District") acknowledges that all students have a right to enjoy
freedom from discrimination, bullying and harassment in school, during school activities, en route to and
from school and while riding in school provided transportation. It is illegal for any student, staff, school
contractor, agent or volunteer to discriminate, harass, intimidate, create a hostile environment, or bully a
student on the basis of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, gender identity and expression; or a mental, physical, or sensory disability or impairment; or by
any other distinguishing characteristics that may be defined by the District. This also includes association
with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned characteristics, whether actual or
perceived.
Any student who believes that they are being discriminated against, harassed or bullied based upon the
foregoing shall report the suspected or perceived illegal behavior to a school administrator, teacher or
official. Reports may also be made to the following department:
Office of Student Transportation
313-945-8600
Students who report suspected discrimination, harassment or bullying will not be retaliated
against. Students who make knowingly false report will be subject to discipline.
For further protections, please consult the "Detroit Public Schools Rights and Responsibilities of Students in
the Detroit Public Schools and the Student Code of Conduct" located on the DPS website and at DPS
locations.
11 MALICIOUS MISCHIEF AND DESTRUCTION OR INTENTIONAL DAMAGE TO SCHOOL BUSES AND
OTHER TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES
Anyone found causing damage to TSP property will be billed for costs to repair or replace the damaged equipment
or article. Please be advised, that Public Act No. 13, H.B. No. 4155 Regular Session of 1995, Penal Code – Malicious
Mischief and Destruction – Intentional Damage to School Buses, Sec 377c states the following:
(1) If a person intentionally damages, destroys, or alters a school bus without the permission of the entity that
owns the school bus and that damage, destruction, or alteration creates a health or safety hazard to any
individual occupying that school bus or who may occupy that school bus, the person is guilty of a felony
punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or a fine of not more than $5,000 or both.
(2) As used in this section, “school bus” means that term as defined in section 57 of the Michigan vehicle code,
Act No. 300 of the Public Acts of 1949, being section 257.57 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. School bus
includes a school transportation vehicle as that term is defined in section 57c of Act No. 300 of the Public
Acts of 1949; begin section 257.57c of the Michigan Complied Laws, if that vehicle is clearly marked as a
school transportation vehicle.
12 Policy: 9.73 SUBJECT: Anti‐Bullying and Harassment Policy Supersedes: Effective: March 11, 2011 Page: 1 of 6 Approved: Board Approved 1.0 Policy The Detroit Public School District acknowledges that all students have the right to participate fully in the educational process, free from bullying and harassment. A, safe and civil school environment advances student learning and is necessary for students to achieve high academic standards. Bullying and harassment, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, are forms of conduct that disrupt both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe environment. Because students learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff, agents and volunteers are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior, treat others with civility and respect, and refuse to tolerate bullying and harassment. 2.0 Definitions A. “Bullying” means written, verbal or physical conduct that adversely affects the ability of one or more students to participate in or benefit from the school’s educational programs or activities by placing the student (or students) in reasonable fear of physical harm. This includes conduct that is based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression; or a mental, physical, or sensory disability or impairment; or by any other distinguishing characteristics that may be defined by the district or state educational agency. This also includes association with a person or group with one or more of the abovementioned characteristics, whether actual or perceived. B. “Harassment” means written, verbal or physical conduct that adversely affects the ability of one or more students to participate in or benefit from the school’s educational programs or activities because the conduct is so severe, persistent or pervasive. This includes conduct that is based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression; or a mental, physical, or sensory disability or impairment; or by any other distinguishing characteristics that may be defined by the district state educational agency. This also includes association with a person or group with one or more of the above mentioned characteristics, whether actual or perceived. C. “Cyber‐bullying” means use of any electronic communication technology i.e. internet, personal digital assistant (pda), or wireless hand held device, to bully or harass, as defined above, one or more students. Such behavior is prohibited whether it takes place on or off school property, at any school‐sponsored function, or in a school related vehicle. 13 3.0 Scope, Prohibitions and Responsibilities A. Scope of Proscribed Conduct This policy is applicable to all educators, staff members, students, parents/guardians, agents and volunteers, and covers conduct that take place in the school, on school property, in route to and from school, at school‐
sponsored functions and activities, on school buses or vehicles and at bus stops. This policy also pertains to usage of electronic technology and electronic communication that is used for bullying, harassment, or cyber‐
bullying. Electronic technology and electronic communication that is used for bullying, harassment, or cyber‐
bullying which occurs outside of school, school property, school‐sponsored functions and activities, and school‐related transportation is not within the scope of the individual school or the school districts responsibility. However, this policy is applicable to incidents outside of school if the individual school or school district can demonstrate that such incidents of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying are substantially interfering with another student’s ability to access education. B. Prohibition on Bullying Behavior Bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying are prohibited in this District. Retaliation or threats of retaliation meant to intimidate the victim of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying, or toward those investigating incidents thereof, are also prohibited. C. District Responsibilities 1. The Superintendent shall identify the district administrator(s) responsible for collecting and responding to reports of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying. 2. Upon request by the Board, or in its’ own discretion, the District shall provide a report on the aggregate complaints of bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bulling and responses to these complaints. This report shall be made available to the public. 3. The District shall receive and investigate complaints from parents, students, educators, and staff members, which allege that a school is failing to implement this policy. 4. This policy will be distributed annually, and will also be included in any district‐wide student codes of conduct, disciplinary policies, student handbooks, and websites. 14 D. School Responsibilities 1. The school principals and designated administrators within this district shall create environments where the school community upholds the standards of respect and civility and understands that bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying are inappropriate, harmful and unacceptable. 2. This policy will be distributed annually and will also be included in any student codes of conduct, disciplinary policies, student handbooks, and school websites. 3. All allegations of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying shall be reported to the designated school administrator or any school counselor, social worker, staff member, or administrator, either orally or in writing. The system for reporting suspected bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying must ensure the reporting can be done easily, safely, privately, and confidential. 4. Schools shall maintain written or electronic records regarding all complaints of bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying, any investigation thereof, and any disciplinary action taken. These records shall be maintained for no less than 7 years. E. Educator and Staff Responsibilities 1. Educators, school and district staff, and volunteers share responsibility for modeling appropriate behavior and creating an environment where mutual respect, civility, tolerance, and acceptance among students and staff are promoted and where students understand that bullying and harassment are inappropriate, harmful and are taken seriously. 2. All educators, school and district staff members will take reasonable measures to prevent bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying and are obligated to report in a timely manner any such acts or complaints of such that come to their attention. F. Student Responsibilities Students share responsibility for helping to create a safe school environment by not engaging in or contributing to bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying, treating everyone with respect, and being sensitive as to how others might perceive their actions or words. Any student who observes an act of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying should report the incidents to school authorities. 15 4.0 Complaint Procedure A. All allegations of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying shall be reported to the designated school administrator, either orally or in writing. Any student, parent or guardian, volunteer, educator, or staff member may file such a report. If a report contains incomplete information, the designated administrator shall take reasonable measures to contact the individuals involved to determine whether an investigation should be pursued. B. Upon receiving a complaint of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying from any student, educator, staff member, volunteer, or parent, the designated school administrator shall: 1. Investigate the alleged incident of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying; 2. Take immediate steps, at the administrator’s discretion, to protect any involved students, educators, or staff pending completion of an investigation; 3. Provide notification to the parents or guardians of all involved students, provided that such notification does not endanger the health, safety, well‐being, or livelihood of any student; 4. Maintain a written or electronic record of the complaint, any investigation, and any intervention or disciplinary actions taken. And 5. Take proper disciplinary action immediately following the conclusion of the investigation; C. Reports of bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying may be filed anonymously. However, disciplinary action cannot be taken solely based on an anonymous report. Anonymous reports will be investigated with the same procedure, timeliness, and vigor as other reports and disciplinary action can occur based on the results of the investigation. C. Reports of bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying may be filed anonymously. However, disciplinary action cannot be taken solely based on an anonymous report. Anonymous reports will be investigated with the same procedure, timeliness, and vigor as other as other reports and disciplinary action can occur based on the results of the investigation. D. Students who file false reports of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying may be subject to discipline. E. School administrators shall also investigate complaints of retaliation or threats of retaliation meant to intimidate the victim of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying or toward those investigating incidents thereof. F. Incidents of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying that involve criminal activity shall be reported to law enforcement. 16 G. A complainant may request that the District conduct an independent review if they: (1) believe that the school did not correctly analyze the complaint and failed to conduct an investigation of the incident because the school believed the alleged conduct did not constitute bullying or harassment, (2) are dissatisfied with the final determination following an investigation as to whether bullying or harassment occurred, or (3) believe that although a final determination was made that bullying or harassment occurred, the school’s response was inadequate to correct the problem. The complainant shall make such a request in writing to the Superintendent. Upon such request, the Superintendent shall promptly initiate an independent review by a neutral person, and the school and all employees shall cooperate with the independent reviewer so that they may proceed expeditiously. The review shall consist of an interview of the complainant and relevant school officials and a review of the written materials from the school’s investigation. 5.0 Notification of Parents and Guardians When a complaint of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying is filed, the designated school administrator shall notify the parents or guardians of all involved students as long as such notification does not endanger the health, safety, well‐being, or livelihood of involved students. To ensure the health, safety, well‐being, or livelihood of the student the designated school administrator shall not disclose any information regarding the incident to their parent or guardian unless they have received written consent from the student. Prior to notification of any parent or guardian regarding any incident of bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying, school authorities must consider the issue of notification as they would any other educationally‐relevant decision, considering the health, well‐being, safety, and livelihood of any students involved in the incident. 17 6.0 Discipline and Counseling All discipline is governed by DPS Student Code of Conduct. Disciplinary actions for bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying may also include, but is not limited to: warnings; counseling; loss of opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities, school social events or graduation exercises; loss of school bus transportation; community service; in‐school suspension; short term suspension; or transfer to another school among others. The specific consequences should be consistent, reasonable, fair, age appropriate and match the severity of the incident. The District takes ALL reported cases of bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying seriously. Counseling may be provided for the target and/or the student perpetrating the bullying, harassment, or cyber‐bullying. 7.0 Professional Development On an annual basis the school district shall offer ongoing professional development to build the skills of all staff members, including, but not limited to educators, school and district staff, agents and volunteers to prevent, identify and respond to bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying. District staff and designated school administrators will be required to complete professional development trainings with content that may include, but is not limited to: (i) developmentally appropriate strategies to prevent bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying incidents; (ii) developmentally appropriate strategies for immediate, effective interventions to stop bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying incidents; (iii) information regarding the complex interaction and power differential that can take place between and among a perpetrator, victim and witnesses to the bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying; (iv) research findings on bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying, including information about specific categories of students who have been shown to be particularly at risk for bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying in the school environment; (v) information on the incidence and nature of cyber‐bullying; and (vi) internet safety issues as they relate to cyber‐bullying. The district shall identify and offer information on alternative methods for fulfilling the professional development requirements of this section. 8.0 Student Training and Prevention Each school shall present in age‐appropriate language the District’s policy on bullying, harassment, and cyber‐
bullying as part of any orientation program conducted for students at the beginning of each academic term. This will also include instruction on how to prevent bullying, harassment, and cyber‐bullying; the process for filing complaints; and the process/consequences that will result from the complaint. Cross References: Policy 9.14 Code of Student Conduct (Policy on Discipline and Student Rights), Policy 9.73 Cyber bullying, Policy No. 6.35 Student Conduct on Buses, Policy 9.01, Nondiscrimination Legal References: MCL 380.1309, Title XI 20 U.S.C.A. §1681, Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCLA 37.2201 et seq. 18 DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
BOARD MEMBERS
Herman Davis, President, District 5
Ida Short, Vice-President
Patricia Johnson-Singleton, At-Large
Lamar Lemmons, At-large
Reverend David Murray, At-Large
Tawanna Simpson, District 1
Elena Herrada, District 2
Annie Carter, District 3
Judy Summers, District 4
Wanda Redmond, District 6
Juvette Hawkins-Williams, District 7
Darnell Early, ICMA-CM, MPA
EMERGENCY MANAGER
The Board of Education of the School District of
The City of Detroit does not discriminate in
course offerings to any student on the basis of
race, sex, color, creed, national origin, religion,
marital status or handicap, as required by Titles
VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as
amended. Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972 and Section 504 of the Handicap
Act of 1973
For More Information
Contact the Office Student Transportation
8145 Greenfield Detroit, MI 48228
(313) 945-8600
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