Bill Text: NJ A1983 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Provides that school districts will present character awards to students during annual Week of Respect.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-01-09 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee [A1983 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-A1983-Introduced.html
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
218th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2018 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman SHAVONDA E. SUMTER
District 35 (Bergen and Passaic)
SYNOPSIS
Provides that school districts will present character awards to students during annual Week of Respect.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
An Act concerning anti-bullying activities in school districts and amending P.L.2010, c.122.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 26 of P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-29) is amended to read as follows:
26. a. The week beginning with the first Monday in October of each year is designated as a "Week of Respect" in the State of New Jersey. School districts, in order to recognize the importance of character education, shall observe the week by providing age-appropriate instruction focusing on preventing harassment, intimidation, or bullying as defined in section 2 of P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18A:37-14). School districts also shall observe the week by presenting character awards, known as "Harmony Power" awards, in each school to students who have demonstrated outstanding character by: helping to prevent harassment, intimidation or bullying; contributing to the creation of a respectful atmosphere in the school; serving as a positive role model for other students; performing community service in the school or community; or demonstrating positive characteristics through art. The award shall be listed on a student's report card and transcript.
b. Throughout the school year the school district shall provide ongoing age-appropriate instruction on preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying in accordance with the core curriculum content standards.
(cf: P.L.2010, c.122, s.26)
2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall first be applicable to the first full school year beginning after the effective date of this act.
STATEMENT
Section 26 of the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act," P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-29), designates the week of the first Monday in October each year as a "Week of Respect," during which school districts provide age-appropriate instruction focusing on preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying. This bill provides that school districts also will observe the Week of Respect by presenting character awards, known as "Harmony Power" awards, in each school to students who have shown outstanding character by: helping to prevent harassment, intimidation or bullying; contributing to the creation of a respectful atmosphere in the school; serving as a positive role model for other students; performing community service in the school or community; or demonstrating positive characteristics through art. The award will be listed on a student's report card and transcript.
