Dear Parents and Guardians,

Recently the Green Bay Area Public Schools (GBAPS) board passed a new bullying and/or harassment policy.  Cyber bullying is now a behavior that can and will be investigated by school administrators.  Using the internet to bully or harass other students will not be tolerated by the GBAPS.

 Possible consequences;

·         suspension

·         expulsion

·         police notification (fines/citations may be issued) 

We encourage you as parents/guardians to be aware of what your children are doing when they are on the internet for their safety and the safety of others.  Please explain this new policy with your children and the consequences of bullying or harassing someone else in school or on the internet.  Please reinforce with your children the detrimental effects and harm that can come from bullying and harassment as well as the educational and possible legal implications of engaging in this behavior.

Cyber bullying includes but is not limited to the following misuses of technology:

·         harassment, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another person or group of people by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings, including blogs or any other messages via cyberspace.

If your child is the victim of cyber bullying or any form of bullying or harassment please contact your child’s teacher, building administrator, social worker, counselor or any staff member for help.

We believe the most effective way to keep children safe is by working together and giving children a consistent message on what is safe and appropriate behavior.  Thank you for supporting our efforts by encouraging your children how to use technology, appropriately.