• Dignity for All Students Act

    Port Leyden Elementary Coordinators:

    Olivia Boucher, Dean of Students and Resource Teacher

    Erin Monnat, Elementary School Counselor

     

    Glenfield Elementary Coordinators:

    Brad DeSantis, Dean of Students & AIS Teacher

    Erin Monnat, Elementary School Counselor

     

    Dignity for All Students Act Q&A

    1. What is DASA?

    • It is an act that has been added to Education Law that requires schools to provide instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education by teaching tolerance, respect for others, and dignity. It is meant to create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying during school.

    2. What is South Lewis required to do under DASA?

    • Establish Board Policy that specifically addresses the requirements of data and update the student code of conduct to reflect those policies.
    • Train Staff to prevent and respond to incidents of bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
    • Establish Dignity Act Coordinators.
    • Establish reporting guidelines for staff.
    • Inform parents and guardians.
    • Provide Character Education.

    3. What does DASA cover?

    Incidents that occur on:

    • School property: any building, athletic field, playground, parking lot, or school bus
    • School functions: A school sponsored event
    • Out of school activity: If it starts to negatively effect another student's learning, it may be covered under DASA.

     

    4. How is South Lewis addressing DASA?

    • Our administration has already been working hard to update school policies and the code of conduct to integrate DASA guidelines for the prevention of and response to bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
    • Character Counts is the new Character Education initiative adopted by our district that meets the character development provisions of DASA. This program will allow our staff to integrate lessons and environmental strategies that specifically teach, tolerance, acceptance, civility, and dignity for all.
    • South Lewis is creating awareness about DASA as much as possible. We are creating many opportunities for staff, students, parents, and community members to learn about this new law.
    • South Lewis has already appointed DASA Coordinators in each building at South Lewis. You can find names and pictures of each DASA Coordinator posted on the district website, and in the main office of each building.
    • South Lewis is participating in data collection so that we can track incidents of discrimination, harassment, and bullying. This data will help us to provide better prevention programming for our students so that South Lewis can be a safe environment for every student.