Bullying and Nondiscrimination
Bullying Prevention and Intervention:
The APS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan is a key component of the district’s strategic priorities, which are derived from the Vision and Mission for the Arlington Public Schools. Our Vision focuses on being “an equitable educational community where all learners feel a sense of belonging, experience growth and joy.” Our Mission focuses on valuing diverse identities and ways of learning. Our Strategic Priorities lead us to providing professional development and curriculum integration for bullying prevention and intervention.
The Arlington Public Schools has organized groups at each level, as well as several subcommittees that take on Bullying Prevention assessments and strategies throughout the community. Examples of these include Administration, Teachers, School-based Advisory Committees, the Parent Forum Committee, The Youth Risk Behavior Committee and more.
Teachers report and intervene in incidences of bullying as well as implement anti-bullying and social-emotional learning curriculum. District administrators track investigations of allegations, document incidences of bullying, respond and intervene to keep targets safe, and ensure support services for both targets and aggressors. When required, police are contacted to participate in investigative procedures in instances where criminal/harassment charges may apply.
Please see the following links to learn more about our bullying plan and policy, or to report an incident:
- Bullying Incident Form: Report incidents of bullying to APS administration. Reports may also be made verbally or in writing, or via other modes (see Prevention Plan).
- Link to APS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan: APS's comprehensive prevention and intervention plan for addressing instances of bullying. PDF available below.
Nondiscrimination: Files AC-ACHR of the Arlington Public Schools Policy Manual address APS policies related to maintaining an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment.
The Arlington Public Schools does not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs and activities, on the basis of race, color or national origin, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI); on the basis of sex, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; on the basis of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); or on the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1974 (Age Discrimination Act). Nor does it discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation, in accordance with Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971 (M.G.L. c.76, §5), Chapter 151B and 151C of the General Laws.
Where to File a Complaint: To file a complaint alleging discrimination or harassment by the Arlington Public Schools on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion or to make an inquiry concerning the application of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the ADA, the Age Discrimination Act, or applicable state laws and their respective implementing regulations, please contact the building principal or the district's Title VI, Title IX, and Civil Rights Coordinator Listed Below:
Arlington Public Schools Title IX and Civil Rights Coordinator:
Dr. Mona Ford Walker, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning