[TO BE PRINTED ON SCHOOL LETTERHEAD]
[Month] [Day], 201X
VIA CERTIFIED & U.S. MAIL/
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
[Parent Name]
[Parent Address]
RE: [Student’s Name], DOB [Enter Birthdate]
Letter Confirming Receipt of Allegations of Bullying
Dear [Parent Name]:
We are in receipt of [a handwritten note, an e-mail, phone message] dated [enter date received notice], from [name of author of communication] [position of author such as parent, physician] [place of employment if applicable]. A copy is enclosed. [Summary of the bullying allegation, e.g., The note indicates . . .].
Please be aware the District staff members take seriously any allegation a student has experienced bullying or mistreatment at school. We are immediately opening a full investigation into the allegations [Student’s Name] has been bullied or mistreated.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if we may be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
[Principal’s Name]
Principal
Attachment: [If available, attach a copy of communication alleging bullying]
cc: [Name], Director of School Support
[TO BE PRINTED ON SCHOOL LETTERHEAD]
[Month] [Day], 201X
VIA CERTIFIED & U.S. MAIL/
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
[Parent Name]
[Parent Address]
RE: [Student’s Name], DOB [Enter Birthdate]
Letter Summarizing Outcomes of Investigation
Dear [Parent Name]:
In a letter dated [enter date of letter confirming allegations], and incorporated into this letter as Attachment One, I confirmed receipt of allegations [Student’s Name] may have been mistreated or bullied while at school (“Allegations”). We conveyed our intent to open a full investigation. This letter describes the outcome of our investigation.
Attachment Two is entitled a copy of the Written Report of Findings Following Bullying Complaint (“Report”) and lists the (1) dates the school learned of the Allegations and when the school’s investigation began and ended; (2) summary of the steps taken during the investigation; (3) information sources we relied upon, (4) investigation conclusions and reasons for the decision; and (5) the corrective actions that have or will be taken.
Our response to this misconduct has been calculated to resolve the issues now and in the future. Please notify us of any additional concerns or if you learn of any new information. Please do not hesitate to contact me if we may be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
[Name of principal]
Principal
Attachment One: Letter confirming receipt of allegations
Attachment Two: Written Report of Findings Following Bullying Complaint
c: [Name], Director of School Support
Attachment Two
Bakersfield City School District
Illustrated Detail Template
Written Report of Findings Following Bullying Complaint
[Student’s Name]
DOB: [Enter date of birth]
School: [Enter Name of School]
Date information received alleging bullying and the date the investigation began and ended:
Date: [Enter date the school learned of the allegation and the dates the investigation began and ended]
Source of Allegation: (e.g., [Name of Parent]’s telephone call to Vice Principal)
Allegation: [Name of person] reported a student was [summary of allegation]
Summary of the steps taken during the investigation:
Information/Record Sources: [e.g., Three student witnesses were interviewed, [Name of Student]’s parent was interviewed on [Date], all relevant files were reviewed from the District electronic computer system (called Complete School), vice principal files, cumulative records, and school discipline files]
Investigation conclusions and reasons for the decision:
The record review did not provide any evidence to substantiate the bullying allegation. On or about [date], three student witnesses were questioned. It was determined [Name of Student] was a victim of two incidents of bullying occurring on [enter dates]. [Enter facts supporting this determination, e.g., The student witnesses described two approximate dates where, on the school campus, [Name of Student] had his school supplies taken, he was pushed to the ground, and repeatedly called “gay,” “stupid,” and “ugly” in front of a group of other students]
Corrective actions that have or will be taken:
[Pool of illustrative corrective actions . . .(1) Separated the harasser and [Name of Student] by moving the harasser’s classroom assignment; (2) gave guidance to [Name of Student] and harasser (separately); (3) provided professional development to staff; (4) provided additional education services to [Name of Student]; (5) provided a copy of the District policies and Guide for Parents and Students to [Name of Student], the student’s parents, and the student and parent of the harasser; (6) described to [Name of Student] and their parent how to report any subsequent problems; (7) conducted, and will again conduct follow-up inquiries to see if there have been any new incidents or any instances of retaliation; (8) three bystanders were given guidance about how they may appropriately intervene, they were encouraged to take a more active or pro-social role, and to support other students to help them feel cared for and safe from retaliation]
Additional steps to address the bullying and prevent any retaliation:
[Pool of additional illustrative steps . . .(1) Gave [Name of Student] the names of two staff members s/he can contact with any concern, immediately report any new incidents or any type of retaliation or mistreatment; (2) re-reviewed with the harasser what constitutes bullying in age-appropriate terms, the possible consequences for bullying, and that retaliation is strictly prohibited; (3) showed a video to four classrooms illustrating bullying is unacceptable, all members of the school community need to report all incidents of bullying, and appropriate responses as a student bystander to an incident of bullying; (4) relevant board policies given the parent of the harassed student; (5) [Name of Student] reminded of what constitutes bullying and retaliation, how to report this misconduct or any subsequent problems, and a description of the plan for conducting follow‐up inquiries
Written Report of Findings provided to:
□ Student/victim □ Parent/guardian of the student/victim □ Student/person found to have committed □ Director of School Support an act(s) of bullying
Illustration of Letter Content When an Investigation Did NOT Substantiate an Allegation of Bullying
[TO BE PRINTED ON SCHOOL LETTERHEAD]
October 3, 2012
VIA CERTIFIED & U.S. MAIL/
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Mr. and Mrs. John Deere
5555 No Lane
Bakersfield, CA 93305
RE: John Deere Jr., DOB July 5, 2002
Letter Summarizing Outcomes of Investigation
Dear Mr. and Mrs. John Deere:
In a letter dated September 28, 2012, and incorporated into this letter as Attachment One, I confirmed receipt of allegations John Deere Jr. may have been mistreated or bullied while at school (“Allegations”). We conveyed our intent to open a full investigation. This letter describes the outcome of our investigation.
Our investigation began on September 28, 2012, and ended on October 2, 2012. We interviewed you (Mrs. Deere) who initially reported that John Jr. was repeatedly being yelled at by another student and being harassed about his clothing and hair. In addition to John Jr., we identified and interviewed three students who possibly had knowledge about these Allegations. We also completed a review of all pupil records that may have contained information pertaining to the Allegations regardless of location or form (e.g., electronic, written)]
Neither John Jr. nor any of the student witnesses were able recall or describe any incidents in which John Jr. was yelled at or in which anyone commented about his hair or clothing. We were unable to identify a student who was alleged to engage in this misconduct. Additionally, none of our records contained any other allegations of a similar nature.
In conclusion, our investigation could not substantiate that John Jr. has been bullied or mistreated at school. Please notify us of any additional concerns or if you learn of any new information.
Thank you for informing the school of these issues. Please do not hesitate to contact me if we may be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
Iam Principal,
Principal
Attachment One: September 28, 2012, Letter confirming receipt of allegations
c: [Name], Director of School Support