The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act designates the week beginning with the first Monday in October (Oct. 7-11, 2024) as the Week of Respect. This week supports the role of the school safety/school climate team as they work to fulfill their requirement to develop, foster and maintain a positive school climate.

To observe this week, school districts are required to provide age-appropriate instruction focusing on HIB prevention. Approved private schools for students with disabilities are encouraged, but not required, to observe this week.

In an advisory, the New Jersey Department of Education notes how school districts can recognize the importance of social and emotional learning while placing emphasis on age-appropriate instruction that focuses on the prevention of harassment, intimidation and bullying.

The NJDOE’s Week of Respect Compendium of Resources provides information for school districts as they work to plan their Week of Respect observance. Additionally, school districts may find the following resources helpful:

In celebration of the Week of Respect, the NJDOE is also inviting school district staff members who are engaged in school climate improvement initiatives and HIB prevention programming to the following webinars.

Informing School Climate Improvement Efforts

Oct. 9, 2024, from 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Selecting Evidence-Based Bullying Prevention Interventions Based on School Climate Data

Oct. 28, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

  • This 90-minute webinar will provide information to school district staff members who are interested in learning more about the data points relevant to school climate improvement and strategies for selecting evidence-based HIB-prevention programs and interventions. Register here.

For questions related to the Week of Respect, please email the Office of Student Support Services via email.