Greetings, Ridgecrest Families!

As we approach the start of winter break next Friday, December 21, we wanted to share an important message about how we address harassment, intimidation and bullying here at Ridgecrest.  Certainly, at various times of the year, we see an uptick in the number of issues that our students and parents bring to the attention of our teachers, staff and administrators and the approach of the holiday can be just such a time.  We feel it is important for you to know what we do on an ongoing preventative basis with our students throughout the year as well as how we respond when specific incidents arise. 

On a proactive basis, here is what we do to increase social competency, improve school climate, and address harassment-intimidation-bullying:

·         Train all staff on how to identify, report, and respond to harassment, intimidation and bullying when it arises.

·         Our counselor teaches the 2^nd Step Bully Prevention curriculum to all students in K-6.  Students learn how to recognize, refuse, and report harassment, intimidation, and bullying.

·         All teachers teach our students the concepts and skills needed to manage emotions, build empathy, and constructively solve problems. This is done through our 2^nd Step Curriculum, Kindergarten through grade 6.

·         Use various conflict resolution activities, called restorative practices, to help students work through student-to-student conflict.

·         Emphasize kindness and promote inclusion by running two kindness campaigns schoolwide annually where students write compliments to each other – the Month of Thanksgiving Campaign in November, and the Kindness Campaign during the month of February.

·         Recognize all students for being safe, responsible, and respectful through schoolwide incentive programs.

·         Conduct school-wide assemblies with students with anti-bullying and harassment messages and strategies.

When an allegation that a student is being harassed, intimidated and bullied is shared with us, here is what we do:

·         Identify those involved and act quickly to ensure student(s) is/are safe

·         Investigate to determine incident specifics and allegations

·         Determine if the situation warrants the completion of a HIB Incident Reporting Form

·         Contact parents immediately, and involve parents in resolution, next steps and ongoing safety plans for their child

If you, your son or daughter believe they are the subject of harassment, intimidation or bullying, please have your child let your teacher know immediately. Administrators and other school personnel can also be contacted.  Your child’s safety is of the utmost concern to us and we wanted you to know of measures we take ensure their safety.

Warmest Holiday Wishes,

Mrs. Fox,

Ridgecrest Principal