HCPSS MPIA Request #2019-164

Requested Information
The HCPSS website links a bullying form for students and parents which lists the distribution as the principal's confidential file.
https://www.hcpss.org/f/parents/form_harassment.pdf
I am requesting any document that describes the reporting requirements to MSDE from bullying reports filed using this form.
I am also requesting any document that describes the reporting requirements to MSDE from bullying reports using the MSDE form (example below)
https://thecouncilofelders.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/msde-bullying-reporting-form.pdf
Finally, I am requesting any document that describes how HCPSS will comply with the Safe Schools Reporting Act of 2005.
Date Received
Status
Complete
Response Notes

Please note, MSDE creates reporting and investigation forms as a model for school systems to utilize in the development of local forms that will comply with the below reporting requirements. Per discussions related to how false allegations are reported, this field is included as a possible Corrective Action under MSDE reporting guidance. HCPSS bullying data as reported through extraction from our student data system, including false allegation counts, is currently under review by staff. While the collection and processing of the reporting forms is understood to be accurate, inconsistencies have been noted between the raw data and the extracted data being reported to MSDE. This topic will be discussed at the upcoming Board of Education meeting on April 25, 2019.

Responsive Documents
Overviews the reporting process, including use of the HCPSS Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form, or the online Sprigeo form.
The policy and implementation procedures outline the process by which the above reports are to be handled, including standards for compliance with the Safe Schools Reporting Act of 2005, investigations, and required reporting. This policy also includes references to reporting requirements found in Maryland statue and regulations, including those under the Maryland Annotated Code Education Article § 7-424.
Additional reporting form and data collection guidance documents provided by MSDE can be found on the MSDE website: http://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DSFSS/SSSP/Bullying/index.aspx (right-hand sidebar).
Safe Schools Module regarding Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation requirements – this course is used to relay the above reporting requirements to HCPSS school-based staff. Please note, while the images from the digital course module used to deliver the content contains a copyright watermark, HCPSS received permission from the supplier to release.

*Some request language is summarized to include the requester’s specific document requests and remove legally protected information (such as personally identifiable information of a student).

**Responses that contain legally protected information are not posted to this site – these responses are set directly to requesters. Howard County Public Schools reserves the right to remove erroneous or outdated documents from this site.