San Saba ISD celebrated the return of Armadillos on Monday, August 27! It was a joy to see the 731 smiling faces return to school after a long summer break. The students returned to 18 new staff members, a new science lab, renovated classrooms, changed buildings for some especially at SSES and returned to teachers who were anxious to have them back for the start of another GREAT year at SSISD!Each year schools across the state face many changes at the beginning of school year. One of the biggest policy changes for Texas schools this year is the approach the state of Texas and local school districts will take toward bullying. Across the nation individuals are suffering at the hands of others under what is called “bullying.” We all tend to use that term too loosely, and the state of Texas has now defined the term for us and helped us be able to identity bullying and take steps to prevent it and protect the victim. Texas public schools will now follow the state policy and terms for bullying and SSISD will be working to educate students and parents on the identification of bullying and the definition of the term. What is the state’s definition? Bullying [see policy FFI] occurs when a student or group of students engages in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the District and that: 0)has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property; or is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student. This conduct is considered bullying if it: e0)exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and the student victim through written or verbal expression or physical conduct; and interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school. San Saba ISD has developed a timeline and specific steps to insure a proper investigation, reporting, intervention and prevention of bullying. The ISD also has groups such as the FCCLA, the PALS program, a character bullying and to promote the fair treatment of all students. It is very important for students and parents to report bullying as soon as possible if any child is being bullied or if a child is suspected of bullying another. Please look at the SSISD website under the Parent Information section for the SSISD Bullying Policies or access the SSISD Board Policies under the School Board section of the website. Please call your campus principal if you have any questions. Parents, let us know how we can help you the first day of school all the way until the last day of school!! Please check the website at www.san-saba.net for school information and follow us on facebook, too! If you have any question about this article or any other question about school happenings please contact me at 325/372-3771 or email me at lglaze@san-saba.net . education program, and the AVID program to help our students become aware of ways to prevent bullying.