On May 3, 2010 Governor
Patrick signed an Act Relative to Bullying in Schools (M.G.L. c. 71, §
37O(b)). This new law prohibits bullying and retaliation in all
public and private schools, and requires schools and school districts
to take certain steps to prevent and address bullying incidents.
As a result of this law, every school district in Massachusetts had to submit a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education no later than
December 31, 2010. Wayland’s Plan includes information about the
policies, procedures, curriculum, and activities that the district
will follow to prevent bullying and retaliation, and how we will
respond to bullying when it occurs.
The December 31 submission deadline was
an important milestone, but it is not the end of journey. As we have
developed our Plan, we have done so with an understanding that new
challenges and ideas will emerge during its implementation. Thus, we
welcome feedback and look forward to working together with parents,
students, community members, and all staff to create a safe and
respectful learning environment for all students.