DASA for parents
Dignity for All Students
HFM BOCES is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environment for all students. The New York State Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which took effect on July 1, 2012, helps schools prevent and address bullying, harassment, discrimination, and cyberbullying. It establishes a number of standards for schools, when it comes to instruction, certain district policies, and procedures and identifying and reporting incidents of bullying, harassment and discrimination.
DASA applies to conduct on school property, on school buses, at school-sponsored activities, and, in some cases, online behavior that may affect the school environment.
Reporting
If you have concerns about bullying, harassment, discrimination, or cyberbullying, please complete the DASA Incident Reporting Form.
Click here for the DASA Incident Reporting Form
Schools are required to investigate reports, take appropriate action, and work to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
Code of Conduct
The HFM BOCES Code of Conduct outlines the expectations, rights, and responsibilities that help promote and maintain a safe and positive learning environment for students, staff, and visitors.
Click here for the Code of Conduct
DASA also requires schools and BOCES to:
- Promote a safe and supportive school climate.
- Teach students about respect, responsibility, and positive behavior.
- Provide staff training on preventing and responding to bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
- Investigate reported incidents and take appropriate action.
At HFM BOCES, we believe every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported.
What is a Dignity Act Coordinator?
The law requires at least one employee in every school to be appointed a Dignity Act Coordinator by the Board of Education and thoroughly trained in methods to respond to human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practices, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.
Schools are responsible for selecting coordinators whom students trust and are comfortable talking with, and for providing easy, confidential access to the coordinators.
Dignity Act Coordinators (DAC) – at least one for every division in HFM BOCES and for every building where BOCES staff work – are intentionally chosen to be a safe place for targeted students, witnesses and aggressors to talk privately about incidents.
Who are the Dignity Act Coordinators at HFM BOCES?
Career and Technical Education
Michael DiMezza, 518-736-4330, mdimezza@hfmboces.org
Michael Ott, 518-736-4330, mott@hfmboces.org
Special Education
Dan Salvagni, 518-736-4350, dsalvagni@hfmboces.org
Alternative Education
Michael Schell, 518-736-4321, mschell@hfmboces.org
PTECH
Erika Haggerty, 518-762-3714, ehaggerty@hfmboces.org
