The Barnstable Public Schools are committed to working with students, staff, families, law enforcement agencies, and the community to prevent issues of violence. The ‘Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan’ linked below outlines the district’s comprehensive approach to addressing bullying. 

Families are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher or school counselor if they have concerns regarding unkind or mean behaviors. Children who engage in bullying behavior often have lagging skills and can benefit from early intervention. It is essential that families and school staff members work together to respond to and address concerning behavior as soon as possible.

Definition of Bullying: 

Bullying, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is the repeated use by one or more students or by a member of a school staff, including but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to an extracurricular activity, or paraprofessional of a written, verbal or electronic expression (cyber-bullying) or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a victim that:

1. causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property;

2. places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself or of damage to their property;

3. creates a hostile environment at school for the target; 

4. infringes on the rights of the target at school; or 

5. materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

• To report bullying contact the School Principal or Assistant Principal. Reports may be made in writing or orally over the phone. Bullying Report Form

• High School students may also make reports via the ‘Say Something’ App.

BPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan

Complete the attached Notice of Intent to Pursue a Home Education form for your child and return to: 

Kristen Harmon
Assistant Superintendent 
P.O. Box 955 
Hyannis, MA 02601 

When completing the form, please be aware of the following points: 

• Home education programs should normally begin at the start of the school year, and requests should be submitted by June 1 of the preceding school year to allow for proper review and analysis. 

• If this process is initiated during the school year, the student must remain in school until the school district and the parents agree jointly to the home education plan. 

• For students with, or suspected of having an educational disability, the school district must provide or arrange for an evaluation, convene a team to determine eligibility and, if eligible, create an IEP. The district must make services available to all eligible students. 

• A home education plan is valid for one school year, and must be approved each school year.

• Students engaged in home education programs do not receive a transcript or diploma from the Barnstable Schools. 

BPS Home Education Form

• Portuguese.pdf
• Spanish.pdf

Barnstable Public Schools is committed to fostering a culture of belonging, inclusion, and partnership. Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind, for any reason, will not be tolerated. 

Students and families are encouraged to bring concerns to the attention of their teacher, school counselor, or building administrators as soon as possible so interventions and support can be put in place. The procedures for addressing civil rights violations and sexual harassment (Title IX) are posted at the bottom of this page. If you wish to file a complaint or need additional assistance, please contact the BPS Civil Rights and Title IX Coordinator, Mary Beth Shea.

Title IX Coordinator and Civil Rights Coordinator:

Mary Beth Shea, Ed.S., MSW
230 South Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
Tel. 508 862-4953 ext 1734
Email: shea_marybeth@mybps.us

Staff Training:

All BPS Educators participate in ‘Annual Mandatory Training’ covering a variety of topics including bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Beginning in August 2023, these training modules were provided by ArxED, a company serving over 100 Massachusetts school districts. In addition, the BPS district has a professional membership with ATIXA (the Association of Title IX Administrators) which provides a library of current resources and training materials. Mary Beth Shea attended the Civil Rights Coordinator One and Two Certification Course in January 2023. The ATIXA course materials used to train members of the BPS Civil Rights/Title IX Team can be viewed at ATIXA 

Links to Policies and Procedure Manuals:

• File: AC - Non-Discrimination and Harassment
• File:  ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex
• File:  ACAB - Harassment
• File:  ACE - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
• File: JBA - Student-to-Student Harassment
• BPS Civil Rights Procedures for all non-Title IX Claims
• BPS Title IX Grievance Procedure

School Counseling

The mission of the school counseling program of the Barnstable Public Schools is to promote and assist academic, social, emotional, career, and learning development for all students. School counselors serve students, in collaboration with parents, teachers, staff, and the community. While valuing diversity school counselors use a comprehensive approach to facilitate the development of all students to achieve personal excellence, and graduate career and college ready. If you would like to know more about the school counseling services available to your child, please contact the school counseling office at your child's school.

Psychological Services

School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school. School psychologists are highly educated in both psychology and education. The Barnstable Public Schools has a school psychologist in each of our schools. If you would like to speak with one of our school psychologists, please contact your child's school.

• BPS Section 504 Handbook

Barnstable County Department of Human Resources

Barnstable County Resource Directory

Behavioral Health Network

Cape Cod Family Resource Center

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