Admin

Bullying

Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

North Hanover Township Schools are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14 and Board Policy 5512, the district strictly prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB).
DISTRICT POLICY on HIB

Bullying in New Jersey..

What is HIB?

HIB is defined by law as any gesture, written, verbal, or physical act (or electronic communication). In New Jersey, it must meet all three of these elements to be be identified as formal Harrassment, Intimidation and Bullying. 

  • Reasonably perceived as motivated by an actual or perceived characteristic such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other distinguishing characteristics;

  • Takes place on or off school grounds, including school functions and school buses;

  • Substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students.

However, if it appears the actions are not legally defined as bullying it is still important to communicate with the teacher and/or school counselor to ensure ALL student feels safe at school.  We will address student confict and bullying in a way that supports all students.

An act may be considered HIB if it meets all three of the following criteria:

  1. Targets someone based on a distinguishing characteristic.

  2. Causes harm, fear or distress (physical or emotional).

  3. Disrupts the school environment or infringes on a student’s rights.

Reporting HIB

  • Any student, parent, staff member, or bystander may report a suspected HIB incident.

  • Reports can be made verbally to a staff member or in writing to the principal or the school Anti-Bullying Specialist.

  • All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly.

Investigation Process

  1. Report is submitted to the principal or school counselor on the day of the alleged incident (or as soon as possible). Parents reporting Bullying are requesed to complete the New Jersey 338 Form and include it in the initial report. 

  2. The Anti-Bullying Specialist (ABS) begins a formal investigation within 1 school day.

  3. The investigation must be completed within 10 school days.

  4. The results are shared with the superintendent and then presented to the Board of Education.

  5. Parents/guardians are notified of the outcome, including whether the incident met the legal definition of HIB.

Consequences and Remediation

If a student is found to have engaged in HIB, consequences may range from a conference and counseling to suspension or further disciplinary action. During the investigation if Code of Conduct violations are identified it will be handled approrpriately regardless of a a formal confirmation of bullying.

All responses are:

  • Age-appropriate

  • Consistent with the student’s behavioral history

  • Designed to support both the victim and the offender

Remediation may include restorative practices, counseling services, schedule changes, or increased supervision.

When Your Student Is Being Formally Investigated for HIB

North Hanover Township Schools are committed to transparency, fairness, and student support when a formal investigation of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) is initiated. If your child is involved in an alleged HIB incident—whether as the target, the alleged aggressor, or a witness—here’s what you can expect:

Understanding the HIB Investigation Process

Once a suspected HIB incident is reported, the following timeline and steps apply, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:37-14 and Policy 5512:

  1. Same Day Notification
    The school principal is notified of the incident on the day it is reported (or as soon as possible). You will be contacted and informed that a formal investigation is beginning.

  2. Investigation Begins Within 1 School Day
    Our Anti-Bullying Specialist (ABS) will begin an investigation no later than the next school day. This may include interviews with students, staff, and anyone with relevant information.

  3. Investigation Completed Within 10 School Days
    A thorough investigation is conducted to determine if the behavior meets the legal definition of HIB. This includes reviewing evidence and collecting statements.

  4. Superintendent Review
    The completed investigation is submitted to the superintendent for review.

  5. Board of Education Notification
    The Board is notified of the findings at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

  6. Parent Notification of Outcome
    Within 5 school days of the Board review, parents will receive written notice of:

    • Whether the incident met the legal definition of HIB

    • The nature of the investigation

    • Any discipline imposed or services provided (note: specific consequences for other students are confidential)

How Your Student Will Be Supported

We recognize that HIB investigations can feel stressful and confusing. Regardless of the outcome, we are committed to supporting all students involved.

If Your Student Is the Alleged Aggressor

  • Your child will be treated with dignity and fairness.

  • They may be referred for support services, counseling, or behavior intervention planning.

  • You will be offered the opportunity to meet with school staff to review next steps.

  • Disciplinary consequences, if assigned, will be age-appropriate, progressive, and consistent with our Code of Conduct.

If Your Student Is the Target

  • Your child’s physical and emotional safety is our top priority.

  • Support may include check-ins with the counselor, increased supervision, or schedule adjustments.

  • We may also offer restorative or peer support services if appropriate.

If Your Student Is a Witness

  • Students who witness incidents are encouraged to speak honestly and will never be penalized for doing so.

  • School counselors are available for debriefing or support as needed.

Your Role as a Parent or Guardian

  • Keep the lines of communication open: Talk with your child about what happened and how they are feeling.

  • Ask questions: If you don’t understand the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school.

  • Avoid contacting other families directly: Let the school manage all communication to maintain confidentiality and prevent additional conflict.

  • Follow-up: Once the investigation concludes, feel free to request a conference to review any supports in place.

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