The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which took effect July 1, 2012, is to provide students with a school environment free of discrimination and harassment by peers and by school personnel. It applies to behaviors on school property, in school buildings, on a school bus, as well as at school-sponsored events or activities. Incidents of harassment and discrimination may include, but are not limited to, threats, intimidation or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), and sex. These 11 categories are referred to as protected classes. In our school district, educational status and performance is also included.
When compared to previous regulations, the new law includes provisions that have altered the reporting, code of conduct, professional development, and classroom instruction. Bolton Central School has more than one highly trained employee, who will be designated as DASA coordinators and team members in our school. They will be responsible for receiving and reporting incidents, through the office of the Principal. The Bolton Central School District, due to the nature of our intervention with staff and students, meets and in many cases exceeds, the standards present in the Dignity for All Students Act.
Our Principal, Mr. Chad Shippee, is the DASA Coordinator and will lead a team approach in this effort. He can be reached at 644-2400, extension 104. Included on the team is Grades PK-7 Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Michelle Borgh. You can contact her at extension 114. Mrs. Lori Humiston, Middle Grades English teacher is another. She can be reached at extension 409.
DIGNITY FOR ALL RESOURCES
NYSED DASA WEBSITE
NYS DASA BROCHURE
DASA FACT SHEET
PARENT RESOURCES
GENERAL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
TEN ACTIONS STEPS FOR PARENTS
STUDENT RESOURCES
COPING WITH BULLYING
ONLINE SAFETY
CELL PHONE SAFETY
CYBER BULLYING