Bullying Information

For decades, USD 383 has promoted curriculum and instruction in prosocial, bullying prevention behaviors connected to the Kansas Social, Emotional, Character Development (SECD) standards, adopted in April 2012. These objectives are designed to help keep children safe and successful while developing their academic and life skills. Kansas was the first state to develop such standards.

As we continue to work together to meet the comprehensive needs of our students, USD 383 utilizes the Second Step and Character Strong programs. Students participate in these programs during class meetings, crew time or advisory times. Our goals include building prosocial behaviors, emotional intelligence and preventing bullying behaviors.  

Bullying is aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength. Often, it is repeated over time. Bullying behaviors can take many forms; such as hitting or shoving (physical bullying), teasing or name-calling (verbal bullying), intimidation through gestures or social exclusion (nonverbal bullying), or sending insulting social media messages (cyberbullying).

If you hear from your student about bullying, please contact your building principal, teacher or another adult in the building.

Resources

Stomp Out Bullying

Character Strong

Pacer Bullying Resources

Social Emotional Learning

Stop Bullying

Board of Education policy KGC – Bullying By Parents

USD 383 MTSS Fact Sheet

MTSS Interventions

Intervention Flowcharts

Family Guide

For questions or concerns, please reach out to your school and ask to speak to the MTSS Coordinator. 

USD 383 Parent Letter

Title VI Certification Form

KSDE Fact Sheet

KSDE General Information About Indian Education Formula Grants

Parent Committee Bylaws

Title VI, Part A: Educational Program for Students of American Indian or Alaska Native Heritage

The Every Student Succeeds Act (page 246) amends the Indian education programs as Title VI, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed on December 10, 2015. The new law builds on key areas of progress in recent years, made possible by the efforts of educators, communities, parents, and students across the country.

In accordance with ESSA, the mission of the USD383 Title VI Program is to support the efforts of parents, teachers, and administration in meeting the unique cultural, language, and educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students.

Funding for the Title VI Indian Education Formula Grant is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Allocations are based on a yearly count of certified students with a direct American Indian or Alaska Native heritage.

The goals of the USD 383 program are:

1. Increase knowledge of cultural identity and awareness and,
2. Increase academic achievement through cultural enrichment, culturally responsive academic support, culturally responsive academic enrichment, college preparation, and parent involvment.

Shannon Molt, Director of Student Support Services

Resources

National Parent Resources

• National Congress of American Indians
• National Indian Education Association
• American Indian Library Association
• Planet Youth

Post-Secondary Scholarships

• American Indian College Fund | Native American Scholarships
• Planet Youth Scholarships and other resources

University Indigenous Studies Programs

• Haskell Indian Nations University
• Portland State University
• Trent University: Indigenous Studies

Universities and Other Post-Secondary Programs

• Colleges And Universities Offering In-State Tuition And Tuition Waivers For Native American Students

Federal Resources

• Bureau of Indian Education
• First Nations Development Institute
• White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education
• Indian Health Service (IHS)
• Indian Tribes and Other Resources for Native Americans | USA.gov
• U.S. Department of Education Office of Indian Education

A 504 plan is designed to provide supports and remove barriers for a student with a disability, so the student has equal access to the general education curriculum. 504 plans are different than an Individual Education Plan (IEP) but is developed to help students be successful in school. 

Section 504 Fact Sheet

The district, in accordance with state and federal law and the Kansas state plan, will ensure that homeless children in the school district have access to free and appropriate public education. Homeless students are individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

If your family lives in any of the following situations:

• In a shelter

• In a motel or campground, due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation

• In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station

• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

Your school-aged children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Your eligible children have the right to:

• Receive a free, appropriate public education.

• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.

• Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.

• Enroll in the local school or continue attending their school of origin ( the school enrolled) if that is your preference and is feasible.

  • If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.

• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin if you request this.

• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children's needs.

If you believe your child might qualify for homeless services, please contact your school's principal or the local coordinator, Cheryl McCormick

If you need further assistance with your children's educational needs, contact the National Center for Homeless Education at 1-800-308-2145, or contact the State Coordinator, Maureen Tabasko (mtabasko@ksde.org)

What is SIT?

• SIT stands for the Student Intervention Team. This is a part of the general education process, not special education. 

• Each building in the district has a SIT Team of educators including teachers, administrators, school psychologists, social workers or counselors. 

• This team meets on a regular basis to collaborate, brainstorm ideas, find strategies to fit student needs and develop an individualized plan or goal for each student who are struggling with academics, as well as behavior social emotional learning (BSEL). SIT also supports students who may need more challenge or enrichment. 

What do I do if I have concerns about my student?

1.   Contact your student’s teacher. Express your concerns and ask about interventions and strategies that may support or help your student.

2.   Keep lines of communication open between yourself and your student’s teacher and support staff at the school. If you have concerns about your student’s progress, ask your student’s teacher if they can schedule a formal meeting with the SIT team.  

3. Educators may initiate this process as well and invite you to be a part of the SIT meeting. If additional information is needed, you’ll be contacted by someone from the school to seek additional input.