January 29, 2007

Dear Parent/Guardian:

This letter serves as a reminder to all students and families of the Wissahickon Middle School that the following policy regarding fighting and bullying appears in the Parent/Student Handbook::

WMS FIGHTING POLICY

Fighting, roughhousing, bullying and other types of physical altercations will be coordinated with the policies of the WHS. The draft below reflects language that has been discussed at length with administrators, staff, parents and students of both WHS and WMS. Please review with your child to ensure a safe and positive completion of the 2006/2007 school year:

FIGHTING: students who engage in a fight on school grounds, at bus stops or any area which is part of WSD will be met with the following consequence:

FIRST OFFENSE:

· Up to 5 days OSS for any 1st time combatant

· Parent meeting with Administrative Team with guidance from Central Office.

· Student will participate in a conflict resolution session and/or peer mediation.

SECOND OFFENSE

· Up to 10 days OSS depending on the participant’s involvement

· Up to a $300 fine and report to the LG Police Department Police

· WIN Team Referral

· Meeting with guidance counselor on weekly basis for 1 month.

· Re-admittance meeting with a re-entry contract drawn and signed

THIRD OFFENSE

· Same as above plus the incident will be reported to the Lower Gwynedd Police Department for investigation

ROUGHOUSING: Students who engage in physical contact with one another(s) that is dangerous to the safety of others (i.e.) slapping the back of heads, birthday punches, etc. will be met with the following consequence:

· Up to 3 days OSS for any 1st time offender.

· Repayment of damages done to property as a result of the roughhousing.

· Guidance counselor meeting weekly until the end of the year.

· Parent meeting with administration

BULLYING: Students who physically, verbally or emotionally intimidate another student in such a way to cause anxiety and fear for that student that inhibits his\her educational experience will be met with the following consequence:

· Up to 3 days OSS for any 1st time offender

· Bullying prevention/education seminar as part of an ISS

· Guidance counselor meeting weekly until the end of the year

· Parent meeting with administration

We ask that you please take the time to review these important policies with your child so that we may look forward to continuing a successful school year with no fighting or bullying incidents.

Sincerely,

WMS Administrative Team

Lyn Fields

Tom Andrzejewski

Chuck Malone