Student Handbooks Elementary Handbook 2019-20 | Page 29

XI. Improving School Climate Enfield recognizes that a positive school climate is crucial in reducing or eliminating bullying, teen dating violence, harassment, or similar behavior/conduct in our schools. The measures described in this Safe School Climate Plan are designed to promote a positive school climate, and their successful implementation involves a partnership among administrators, teachers, other staff members, parents, and students themselves. This Plan is subject to periodic review and revision to assure that it effectively promotes a positive school climate. All members of the school community are encouraged to participate in that effort by conveying to the Safe School Climate Coordinator their questions, concerns, and recommendations regarding this Plan and its implementation. Annually, each school in Enfield shall review its own Safe School Climate Plan in order to meet the requirements of this District Plan. XII. Annual Notice and Training A. Students and parents or guardians of students shall be notified annually of the process by which students may make reports of bullying. B. The Board shall provide for the inclusion of language in student codes of conduct concerning bullying. C. At the beginning of each school year, each school shall provide all school employees with a written or electronic copy of the school district’s safe school climate plan and require that all school employees annually complete training on the identification, prevention, and response to bullying as required by law. D. After July 1, 2014, any person appointed by the district to serve as district safe school climate coordinator shall complete mental health and first aid training offered by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services. XIII. School Climate Assessments Biennially, the Board shall require each school in the district to complete an assessment using the school climate assessment instruments, including surveys, approved and disseminated by the Connecticut State Department of Education. The Board shall collect the school climate assessments for each school in the district and submit such assessments to the Connecticut State Department of Education. Legal References: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-222d Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 10-233a through 10-233f Connecticut State Department of Education Circular Letter C-8, Series 2008-2009 (March 16, 2009) Public Act 14-172, “An Act Concerning Improving Employment Opportunities Through Education And Ensuring Safe School Climates” Public Act 14-232, “An Act Concerning The Review And Approval Of Safe School Climate Plans By The Department Of Education And A Student Safety Hotline Feasibility Study” Public Act 14-234, “An Act Concerning Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault” Adopted: January 24, 2012; Revised: May 12, 2015 25