Kaneland handbook revisions focus on bullying – Chicago Sun

Handbook changes

Kaneland High School students already are not permitted to carry backpacks to and from class.

And under a revision to the Student Handbook, purses or any other equipment used to carry items wil be added to the banned list.

“We have congested hallways already and when they are carrying backpacks or giant purses, it takes additional space in the hallway,” said Assistant Principal Diane McFarlin.

Another change in the handbook says that at the middle and high schools, appropriate footwear must be worn at all times and the footwear must have a hard sole – no moccasins or slipper type shoes.

— Linda Girardi

Updated: May 4, 2012 4:02PM

Kaneland students will see new bullying procedures in the Student Handbook next fall.

The School Board has approved on first reading new bullying protocol that more clearly defines bullying and establishes three levels and the response for intervention once reported.

Superintendent Jeff Schuler said the bullying segment of the handbook is intended to set clear expectations for students and make sure they understand what bullying is and how a student either being targeted or being the aggressor can get help.

Schuler said they also wanted to develop a consistent response as students move through the system so that they understand how the district will respond and work with students impacted by inappropriate bullying behavior.

“The primary goal of the process is to address problems and help them get productively resolved so that students feel safe,” Schuler said.

“We have found that there is not necessarily one solution that works in all situations, but our primary goal is always the same, that being to help students feel safe. As we progress through the levels, the focus shifts to more of a disciplinary approach with more direct adult intervention,” Schuler said.

The definition of bullying, according to the procedure, “Is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination, directed at a target that causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property; places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself or of damage to his or her property; creates a hostile environment at school and materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

The district originally enacted a policy against bullying in 2002.

“Previously it was more harassment language, now we are really pinpointing on bullying behaviors,” Harter Middle School Assistant Principal Kris Weiss said.

“Bullying is more about power,” she said. “With the increase of electronic devices, it has become increasingly necessary for us to be more vigilant and specific how to address these types of actions.”

The changes will be considered for second reading May 14.