This petition is for parents who would like to see policy changes in Harford County Public Schools' Anti-Bullying Guidelines. 

As many parents can attest, once an incident of bullying has been reported, there seems to be little follow up with parents or steps to escalate situations where problem students are reprimanded or removed from other students.

This is not a call to punish the school system, nor is it a call to punish students who are acting out and being problems for others. Rather, this is a call to add common sense action to prevent the further bullying towards our community's children, as well as help course correct for students who are acting out. No one wants to see a kid, who was a "problem child" end up being a "problem adult" because the school system failed to step in and offer proper boundaries and structure in their lives. Discipline is a key to life.

No one is a fan of bullying. Some may even say that bullying helps "thicken your skin for life", which may be true. Let's face it, many of us have done something foolish to someone when we were young. It's part of growing up.

However, if our school system has a "staunch" anti-bullying policy, but does not have a course of action to remove problem students or reprimand these students; the pattern of behavior will only continue, hurting all parties.

This cycle is not good for anyone. Not for our children who are acting out, nor our students who are victims of bullying. 

This petition is a call to the parents of Harford County. We want effective policy changes:

We demand that those who are acting out or who are bullying others are held accountable.

We demand that students who continue to be problems for others are removed from regular classes until they can behave appropriately with their fellow students.

We demand that there is a clearly defined definition of a student who is bullying, and set number of incidents that activates corrective action (For example, three strike system).

We demand that parents and students sign "anti-bullying" contracts on the first day of school, that outline the corrective actions, and inform parents and students of the implications of bullying.

We demand that students that are acting out receive counseling and proper coaching to return.

We demand that students make amends prior to returning to normal classes. Apologies are necessary in life as well as grace and forgiveness. Students returning from corrective action must write apology letters to students, faculty, their parents, and victims parents before returning to school. In addition, these students must also meet with the student victims and the school's principle to formally apologize. 

We demand that if such students continue to become problems for students after such steps are taken, they are removed indefinitely.

We demand that a Parent Teacher Committee be enacted to review all cases of removal, and petitions for re-entry. Students must show positive steps forward. Students cannot re-enter schools after removal more than once per year. 

We demand that students can be deemed "in crisis" due to their behavior, their treatment, family or personal reasons; and are offered a more flexible option for school for period of time, until a child is no longer designated "in crisis"(For example, students who have lost a family member, have problems at home, or are victims of bullying).

Victims of bullying should not be made to feel less than. We demand that appropriate measures are taken to commend and recognize students who endure instances of bullying, but continue to exemplify strong moral character, and integrity. 

We demand that School Resource Officers be allowed to be present on the route for students walking home.

If you agree with these statements above, please sign our petition. Let us put pressure back on Harford County Public Schools and our Local Legislators and DEMAND that our schools protect ALL of our children.

In the end, it is our goal that these measures may offer every child the opportunity to succeed, grow, and ultimately become the best version of themselves while also protecting those who are vulnerable.