DASA
What is bullying?
Bullying is a complex problem, but there are good tools and resources that can help parents, educators and caring adults identify bullying behavior. Did you know that there are four specific characteristics that can qualify a situation as bullying? The behavior has to be intentional, be repetitive, be hurtful and involve an imbalance of power. To find out more, click here.
What is the Dignity for All Students Act?
The New York State Department of Education identifies the purpose of the Dignity Act as “providing the state’s students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.” The Dignity Act also has provisions for cyberbullying. Click here for more information on the Dignity Act.
East Islip School District Dignity for All Students Act Policy
The Dignity for All Students Act requires that each school building have at least one designated person to act as the Dignity Act coordinator and respond to reports of harassment or bullying. The Dignity Act coordinators for the East Islip School District is Dr. Aileen O’Rourke, Executive Director of Special Education/Pupil Personnel Services.
To make a DASA referral (report of harassment, bullying, cyberbullying or discrimination) to the principal or principal’s designee (i.e., assistant principal, Dignity Act coordinators listed below for each building), please click the link below for the DASA referral form. This form should be filled out completely and returned to your child’s principal.
The name and contact information for each school building’s Dignity Act coordinators are:
Connetquot Elementary School
Nicholas Bilotti, Principal
Jessica Grippe, Social Worker
631-581-1778
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Deborah Smith, Principal
Lisa Yacovone, Social Worker
631-581-1608
Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School
Janet Jones, Principal
Brittany Hayes, Social Worker
631-581-1862
Timber Point Elementary School-
Danielle Naccarato, Principal
Joan D’Angelo, Social Worker
631-581-1887
East Islip Middle School-
Michael Hansen, Principal
Christian Seifert, Assistant Principal
Allison Johnstone, Social Worker
631-224-2174
East Islip High School
Mark Bernard, Principal
Vivian Reilly, Social Worker
631-224-2110