Anti-Bullying

  • The Bresnahan School is committed to creating a safe and supportive school environment where every child can say "I belong here." 

    An important part of elementary-school age development is learning to navigate social situations. Our students are learning to make new friends, share resources, make group decisions and play and learn in the community. Through in-class, playground, cafeteria and free time experiences, young children learn to work collaboratively, appreciate differences and resolve conflicts. Our Positive Behavior Intervention System provides proactive lessons to help students develop skills and habits that will help them identify strategies and resources for solving peer conflicts.

    If you have any concerns about your child or need to report an incident, please let us know. It is always best to start with your child's classroom teacher as they know your child best. You can also contact our Assistant Principal Allison Byrnes at abyrnes@newburyport.k12.ma.us or call her at 978-465-4435.

    Anti-Bullying Resources

    Bullying is specifically defined by state laws as: the repeated use by one or more students or a member of a school staff [aggressor(s)] of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that: (i) causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target's property; (ii) places the target in reasonable fear of harm to him/herself or of damage to his/her property; (iii) creates a hostile environment at school for the target; (iv) infringes on the rights of the target at school; or (v) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. For the purposes of requirements related to this law, bullying shall include cyber-bullying.