Minnesota recently introduced a new bill in the state legislature (House File 1953) to strengthen our existing anti-bullying law, which has been touted as one of the worst in the nation.

The new bill, largely tailored from the North Dakota School Bullying Law, is a vast improvement over current law, but it should also provide a springboard for more discussion within the Governor’s Anti-Bullying Taskforce and the greater community.

The bill ensures that bullying is addressed in multiple settings — including school, school-sponsored activities, and school buses.

It allows each district to establish its own policy with the involvement of parents, students, and school staff. Each school district policy is required to establish:

•Procedures for reporting and documenting alleged acts of bullying. Anonymous reporting procedures must be included.

•A timeline for schools to follow for investigating reports of alleged bullying.

•A schedule for keeping documents generated during the investigation of bullying.

•Disciplinary measures for the bully.

•Strategies to protect the victim.

•Disciplinary measures for anyone making a false report of bullying.

The bill is not just about intervening when bullying occurs. It also includes a prevention component that requires schools to implement programs for K-12 students to keep bullying from happening. Unfortunately, the bill doesn’t have any funding attached to it to implement the changes, which could prove problematic for schools if they have to cover the costs. Ask your state representative to support H.F. 1953.

 

Your support makes the difference

The 17th Annual Rose Sale will be held Feb. 21 – March 27 with pick-up /delivery date of April 3 (Tuesday before Easter).

Let someone know that you care and support the work of The Arc of Mower County by supporting our 17th Annual Rose Sale. Order forms are available on our website at ww.arcmowercounty.org or you may use the insert in the February 2012 and March 2012 editions of VISIONS. You can also email your orders to roses@arcmowercounty.org and mail your payment to The Arc.

The second Annual Taste of Mower County will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 24 in the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom in Austin.

Enjoy unlimited tastings of signature offerings from Mower County’s finest chefs. Tickets are available now and cost $25 for individual or $40 for couples.

There are sponsorship opportunities available with great benefits.

 

Upcoming Events

•Monday: Closed

•Tuesday: People First Aktion Club Meeting and Potluck, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

•Wednesday: Mower County Special Olympics Bowling, 4 to 5:30

•Thursday: Creative Arts, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

•Friday: Open Center, 6 to 8 p.m.

•Saturday through Sunday, Feb. 26: Weekend Ventures to Bloomington and Mall of America