Clear communication and consistent collaboration with staff, students, families and community partners is essential to achieving bullying prevention within the Lowell Public Schools. Communication with these and other constituents shall include information about the (a) dynamics of bullying including signs and symptoms of bullying/cyberbullying/retaliation, (b) strategies for preventing cyberbullying and promoting online safety, (c) strategies for preventing bullying and/or retaliation in the classroom, across the school community, at home and in the community, (d) information about how to report bullying, cyberbullying

or retaliation, (e) district procedures for responding to and investigating bullying, and (f) strategies for creating a safe learning environment for target/victim and reinforcing positive behavior standards among perpetrators. Communication will be via this District Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, the Lowell Public Schools Bullying and Harassment Policy and Intervention Plan, Parent and Student Handbook, Disciplinary Policies and the Internet Acceptable Use Policy.  Policies can be accessed online at https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us.

A. Parent and Community Notification

Each year the school will inform parents and guardians of enrolled students about the anti-bullying curricula that are being used. This notice will include information about the dynamics of bullying, including cyberbullying and online safety. Parents will receive written notice each year relative to the student-related sections of the plan and the school and district's Internet Safety Policy. All notices and information made available to parents or guardians will be in hard copy and/or electronic formats through the Lowell Public Schools website.

B. Parent Education and Resources

The school and/or district will offer education programs for parents and guardians that are focused on the parental components of the anti-bullying curricula and any social competency curricula used by the district or school. The programs will be offered in collaboration with the school PTOs, School Councils, Special Education Parent Advisory Council or similar organizations and community partners.