NSU University School Student/Parent Handbook 2016-2017

Page 7 • at any time on NSU University School or Nova Southeastern University property • off the school grounds at a school-sponsored/sanctioned activity, function or event • en route to and from school or a school activity on a school bus or other school vehicle • at any time or in any place that impacts the school’s ability to maintain order and discipline PARENTAL SUPPORT OF DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND SCHOOL PHILOSPHY By sending a child to NSU University School, parents are expressing a belief in the philosophy and expectations of the school as well as the professionalism of its faculty and administration. Therefore, parental support of the school’s disciplinary actions---even when those pose an inconvenience---must be maintained without complaint or defensiveness. Furthermore, disciplinary action by the school should be reinforced at home, both verbally (by discussing proper behavior with the child) and by additional measures (e.g., careful supervision of study habits or conduct with peers while at home, additional disciplinary action) when necessary. Students of parents who do not consistently demonstrate the expected support for the disciplinary actions taken by the school or for the philosophy of the school may be refused readmission for the following school year or be required to leave the school during the current school year. BULLYING STATEMENT NSU University School applies a comprehensive “recognize and prevent” approach to bullying and will address reported cases of bullying accordingly. NSU University School provides age-appropriate instruction to all students through the use of formal anti-bullying programs. Bullying, by one or more persons, is repeated and intentional negative action that is ongoing and that leads to a sense of helplessness by the victim. This definition includes three important components. 1. Bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions; 2. Bullying involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time; 3. Bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength. Not all conflict is bullying. Social control forces are at work within all peer groups, and leaders emerge and attempt to influence behavior. Children tease and make demands of each other, and if we intervened every time there was an argument between children, we would deprive them of the opportunity to manage conflict. We must intervene when the normal process of peer control becomes particularly problematic. “Harassment” means any threatening, insulting, verbal or physical conduct directed against a student or school employee that: 1. Places a student or school employee in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property; 2. Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or benefits; or 3. Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of a school. Adults have an important role as teachers, role models and disciplinarians. Bullying exists when targets react and onlookers remain passive, and as such, children themselves, particularly onlookers, must take a significant role in order to stop bullying. Types of Bullying 1. verbal bullying including derogatory comments and bad names