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Bullying Intervention Plan

Fall River Public Schools is seeking feedback from our families and community on our proposed Bullying Prevention Policy. Your input will ensure this updated policy effectively addresses the needs and safety of our students. Please review the draft policy and provide your feedback by filling out a brief form: FRPS Proposed Bullying Intervention Plan Feedback

Draft Bullying Prevention & Intervention Plan

Updated Spring 2026

Priority Statement

The Fall River Public School District (“District”) is committed to providing a safe, positive, and productive learning environment where all students can achieve the highest academic standards. The Fall River Public School District is committed to creating an environment in which every student develops emotionally, academically, and physically in a caring and supportive atmosphere free from harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyber-bullying. In this regard, the District expects that all members of the school community will treat each other in a civil manner and with respect for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all.

We recognize that certain students may be more vulnerable to becoming targets of bullying or harassment based on actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, including: race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, socioeconomic status, homelessness, academic status, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, pregnant or parenting status, sexual orientation, mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with a person who has or is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics. Accordingly, in an effort to support vulnerable students, the District will identify specific steps it will take to create a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable populations in the school community. To this end, bullying, cyberbullying and/or retaliation are prohibited, and the District will provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying and harassment.

“Bullying” is the repeated use by one or more students or by a member of a school staff including, but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to an extracurricular activity or paraprofessional of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, 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 him/herself, or of damage to his/her property;
  • creates a hostile environment at school for the target;
  • infringes on the rights of the target at school; or
  • materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. For purposes of this section, bullying shall include cyber-bullying.

“Cyber-bullying" means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications

Cyber-bullying shall also include (1) the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or (ii) the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying.

Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying.

The Fall River Public School District is committed to providing a safe, positive, and productive educational environment that is free from bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment. To that end, acts of bullying, which include cyberbullying, are prohibited

on school grounds and property immediately adjacent to school grounds; at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function, or program whether on or off school grounds; at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a school district or school; or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased, or used by a school district or school; and at a location, activity, function, or program that is not school-related, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by a school district or school, if the acts create a hostile environment at school for the target, infringe on the rights of the target at school, or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Nothing contained herein shall require schools to staff any non-school-related activities, functions, or programs. 

Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying is strictly prohibited.

Retaliation may include, but is not limited to, acts of bullying, intimidation, coercion, discrimination, or harassment that are intended to discourage or punish an individual for reporting concerns or participating in an investigation. This includes actions taken by students, staff, or third parties that create a hostile environment, interfere with an individual’s educational experience, or negatively impact their academic standing, social relationships, or emotional well-being.

The District shall develop, adhere to, and update a Plan to address bullying prevention and intervention in consultation with teachers, school staff, professional support personnel, volunteers, administrators, community representatives, law enforcement, students, parents, and guardians. The Plan shall apply to students and all school staff members, including, but not limited to, educators, administrators, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to an extracurricular activity, and paraprofessionals. The consultation shall include, but not be limited to, notice and a public comment period. The Plan shall be updated at least biennially. 

The Principal in each building, or their designee, is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Plan within his or her school. 

The Fall River Public School District is committed to ensuring that all individuals feel safe and supported when coming forward with concerns. Reports of retaliation will be investigated promptly and addressed in accordance with the District’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. Any student or staff member found to have engaged in retaliation may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the District's Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. The District will also take proactive steps to protect individuals from retaliation, including implementing safety plans, providing counseling or support services, and monitoring the school environment as needed to ensure ongoing safety and well-being.

Students who engage in bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action and/or remedial measures consistent with the District’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. 

Staff members who engage in bullying or retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the District's Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, professional standards, and the expectations associated with their role and responsibilities.

When appropriate, the Fall River Public Schools may also refer incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation to law enforcement.

Annual written notice of the relevant student-related sections of the District’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan shall be provided to students and their parents or guardians in age-appropriate terms and in the languages most prevalent within the District, through ParentSquare communication at the start of the school year, and at each quarter. This written notice may also be provided through the student handbook.

Annual written notice of the District’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, and annual training on the Plan, shall be provided to all school staff. Relevant sections of the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan relating to the duties of faculty and staff shall be included in the school employee handbook.

The Plan shall be posted on the District’s website.

Fall River Public Schools 

Draft Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan

The Fall River Public Schools created this Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (“Plan”) required under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, in consultation with teachers, school staff, professional support personnel, volunteers, administrators, community representatives, law enforcement, students, and parents and guardians. The Plan shall be implemented district-wide. The Plan applies to all students and all school staff members, including, but not limited to, educators, administrators, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to an extracurricular activity, and paraprofessionals.