Adriana Kuch's tragic death sparks re-examination of school districts' policies on bullying
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
OCEAN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: A fourteen-year-old New Jersey girl who committed suicide after she was brutally assaulted at a high school prompted the districts to look closer at bullying incidents. Adriana Kuch, a freshman at Central Regional High School killed herself in her home in Bayville on February 3. The tragic incident ignited the worst fears of families across the nation.
In a national interview with the late Adriana's father, Michael Kuch, he said "Bullying can be deadly – whether it involves physical contact or not", as per Jersey Shore. In a video circulated all over social media, her classmates can be seen beating, kicking, and pulling her by the hair in the school corridor. Adriana's father claims that in addition to suffering bodily pain, she also went through humiliation and afterward faced harassment and mockery, CBS News reported.
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'We are here to listen and support'
Adriana's short life continues to break the hearts of those who have never even met her. Adriana's passing has also brought bullying and the way schools handle it into the public eye. Michael Citta, the superintendent of Toms River, acknowledged the grief felt by parents and detailed the district's response. “Our building administrators, counselors, teachers, and support staff have been traveling from classroom to classroom to offer an ear, have a discussion, and talk about resources in our schools, district, and community that can provide support for any traumatic or everyday situation. It is extremely important that our students and families know we are here to listen to and support them. In fact, being truly heard is the first step toward healing,” he said. “Our guidance counselors have always remained a resource for students, but please know that now more than ever, our counselors will be readily available to meet with students upon request. If you feel that your child is in need of additional support or assistance, please contact your child’s school,” he added.
Schools to form anti-bullying committees
A few years ago, the Pinelands Regional School District created a website with services that were accessible, including the Youth Counseling Program in collaboration with the Ocean County YMCA. The district's main page now prominently displays this page, which is frequently updated with new information. “We will continue to consult with our various committees dedicated to health and wellness such as our Mental Health Committee, School Safety Teams, Super Safe and Drug-Free Committee, SCIP committees, and other school-based cohorts that are composed of school leaders, teachers, parents, community members, and students in order to review existing district policies related to Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), cell phone use, student code of conduct, and policies related to school culture and climate,” he said.
The superintendents of the Barnegat, Lacey, and Pinelands school districts in Southern Ocean County all issued letters that opened with a sentiment of regret for the untimely death of the teen. Each letter also informed parents about the resources they might use and gave them reassurance that their districts prioritize safety. “Students need to know that our schools are filled with caring adults who are ready to help any child in need,” wrote Latwis. “We also ask that you reiterate that message at home and encourage open conversations with your child/children.” Latwis claims that each institution's school safety/climate team attempts to find and address patterns in student harassment, intimidation, and bullying. The chairpersons of the committees include the principal, at least one teacher, the anti-bullying specialist for the school, a parent, and anybody else the principal specifies.
In a letter to parents, Lacey Superintendent Dr Vanessa R Pereira notified them that the middle school and high school administrators had spoken to students about where they may turn for assistance with problems both inside and outside of the classroom. All grade levels were focused on the district's commitment to paying attention to pupils who needed it. “We are currently forming a steering committee comprised of school leaders, teachers, parents, community members, and students to review existing district policies related to Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying; cell phone use; student code of conduct; as well as policies that relate to culture and climate,” wrote Pereira. “The purpose of this committee will also serve to collaborate on programs and presentations that will best serve to educate our students and families on bullying prevention, strategies for using social media responsibly, and the importance of kindness.”
Dr Melissa McCooley, the superintendent of Pinelands Regional, highlighted the district's stance against bullying at the school. Parents were urged to have a conversation with their kids about the dangers of bullying, fighting, and using social media and cell phones. “We have zero tolerance for fighting and the recording of it,” McCooley shared. “The administration takes a hard stance on this. Students that attack other students are immediately charged with assault. Students caught recording other students are suspended.”