Northern Lehigh School District remains proactive in its approach to dealing with bullying.

Superintendent Matthew J. Link defined bullying at this month’s board meeting.

“Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following: substantially interfering with a student’s education; creating a threatening environment; or substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school,” Link said.

Link said the district include a policy on bullying and cyberbullying as well as a prevention plan.

Student handbooks define progressive discipline guidelines.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tania Stoker thanked the building principals for detailed presentations on the anti-bullying steps across the district. Stoker said. “In conclusion, across the district, we are taking a trauma informed approach to bullying.”

Stoker then acknowledged key individuals who worked with the district’s students who are in conflict every day.

“Every member of our district, every staff member, helped in some way, shape or form,” Stoker said. “Parents and guardians, and our community partners are an intrical part of the work that we do in this area, and we look forward to continuing to cultivate those relationships to support our students.”

Parent Jason Fahringer, who in November described the bullying incidents involving his 8-year-old son, thanked everyone for putting the presentation together.

Board President Mathias Green thanked Fahringer for bringing the matter to the board’s attention.

“Also say thank you to your son for being the brave individual that he was to participate in the program, to not go off the deep end, to stay as much as he possibly could within the rules,” Green said. “I know if that was me, I don’t know what I would have done; and say thank you to him for what he did to help our district also.”

Director Robert Kern thanked the principals for “an outstanding presentation, very thorough.”

“I’m very pleased at what I heard, what I see; obviously it’s a very difficult thing when you’re dealing with bullying issues,” Kern said. “It’s very difficult for us as adults to try to control what comes out of students’ mouths and their behavior; I wish we had the magic dust that we could throw it on them and change their behavior, and it’s obviously impossible, so a partnership with parents is essential, and I appreciate your efforts and your hard work.”