The Ayer Shirley Regional School District (ASRSD) expects that all members of the school community will treat each other in a civil manner and with respect for differences. The ASRSD is committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment that is free from bullying and cyberbullying. This commitment is an integral part of our comprehensive efforts to promote learning, and to prevent and eliminate all forms of bullying and other harmful and disruptive behavior that can impede the learning process. Character development is referenced multiple times in the district’s Strategic Plan, in shared beliefs and in the mission statement. The district anti-discrimination statement is below:
It is the policy of Ayer Shirley Regional School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, housing status, or limited English-speaking ability.
We recognize that certain students may be more vulnerable to become targets of bullying, harassment, or teasing based on actual or perceived characteristics, including race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, socioeconomic, status, homelessness, academic status, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, or sensory, disability, or by association with a person who has or is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics. The school or district will identify specific steps it will take to create a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable populations in the school community, and provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing.
We will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation, in our school buildings, on school grounds, or in school related activities. We will investigate promptly all reports and complaints of bullying, cyberbullying and retaliation, and take prompt action to end that behavior and restore the target’s sense of safety. We will support this commitment in all aspects of our school community including curricula, instructional programs, staff development, extracurricular activities and parent or guardian involvement.
This Bullying and Intervention Plan (“Plan”) is a comprehensive approach to addressing bullying and cyberbullying. The school district is committed to working with students, staff, families, law enforcement agencies, and the community to prevent issues of violence. In consultation with these constituencies, we have established this Plan for preventing, intervening, and responding to incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation. Each building principal is primarily responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Plan in his/her building.
Respectfully submitted,
Ayer Shirley Regional School District Leadership Team:
Dr. Mary Malone, Superintendent of Schools
Charlie Caliri, Assistant Superintendent
Mary Beth Hamel, Director of Student Services
William Plunkett, Director of Finance
Tara Bozek, Director of Special Education
Michael Thibeault, Director of Technology
Deborah Cutter, Coordinator of Network Systems
Spencer Christie, Principal, Ayer Shirley Regional High School
Miriam Meyer, Assistant Principal, Ayer Shirley Regional High School
Roberta Aikey, Principal, Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School
Brian Oelerich, Assistant Principal, Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School
Varsha Desai, Principal, Lura A. White School
Catherine Koch, Assistant Principal, Lura A. White School
Fred Deppe, Principal, Page Hilltop School
Elisabeth Lewis, Assistant Principal, Page Hilltop School
