The Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District operates a number of specialized programs, some at the District level and some at the building level, which deal with students whose needs and/or disabilities put them at risk of inappropriate or violent behavior. These programs have specialized components to reduce and eliminate the possibility of student violence. One such District-wide program is described below:
A. SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
- The programs serving students with emotional disabilities provide services include individual counseling, referrals for psychiatric evaluation and/or therapy delivered through private clinicians or the Onondaga County Behavioral Science Division. Services provided by the district social worker and/or school psychologists meet with students and families and initiate or recommend behavior management programs in concert with outside agencies as appropriate. Special Education staff work with school counselors, administration, faculty and parents in addressing conflict issues and pursuing collaborative responses with students who are at risk for inappropriate or violent behavior.
- The code of conduct prohibits bullying, intimidation and harassment. Students engaging in such behavior are dealt with immediately. Students who are victims of such behaviors are given the necessary support services and their parents are notified.
- The students are closely monitored by trained staff and any indication of violent behavior, e.g., rumor of weapons, is immediately followed up with the involvement of local law enforcement, social services, mental health services and parents.
- When students express any suicidal or violent intentions, the staff member alerts mental health services and parents, sometimes leading to hospitalization. Followup occurs on the part of the school psychologist with providers of clinical psychological and/or psychiatric care.
- When there is any suspicion of abuse, appropriate agencies are notified and investigations are initiated. Mandated reporting expectations are honored, always involving the Building Administrator in concert with the school social worker, school nurse or school psychologist.