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About Us

Access & Engagement

At ABRSD, we are dedicated to creating and sustaining inclusive classrooms, schools, and systems that foster a sense of belonging for each and every student. At the core of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work is our commitment to disrupt the dominant culture and the systemic, institutional biases within our school system that currently limit or impede opportunity or access for minoritized students. This work requires continuous learning so that we can identify, examine, and confront our language, practices, procedures, and policies that directly or indirectly promote or sustain inequitable outcomes and deficit thinking.

 

Our District Definitions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Diversity: the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. While diversity itself is not a value-laden term, the way that people react to diversity is driven by values, attitudes, beliefs, and experiences. (Adapted from the National Education Association)

Equity: securing needed supports, opportunities, and resources for individuals and groups of students who typically haven't received what they need from schools (Adapted from Mica Pollack's Schooltalk: Rethinking What We Say About- and to- Students Everyday)

Inclusion: is not a strategy to help people fit into the systems and structures which exist in our society; it is about transforming those systems and strategies to make it better for everyone. Inclusion is about creating a better world for everyone.  (Diane Richler, Inclusion International)   

A woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera, wearing a blue blouse.

Jennifer Faber,

Director of Access & Engagement

Responding to Incidents

 

Discrimination and Harassment Policies and Procedures
The District is committed to maintaining a school environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate harassment of staff or students based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. In addition, students who are homeless (McKinney-Vento Act) or of limited English-speaking ability are also protected from discrimination. For details, read the following documentation: 

Any individual who wishes to file a complaint alleging harassment may inform any trusted staff member or a supervisor.  If an employee does not wish to discuss the issue with a staff member or supervisor, or who feels that the problem was not addressed in an effective manner, the employee should contact the Director of Access and Engagement.  

Responding to Hate & Bias in Schools

Q & A (English)

P y R (español)

 

District Protocols for Responding to Hate and Bias in Schools: 

English

学校规程 (Chinese)

protocols em português (Portuguese) 

protocols en español (Spanish)

протоколы на русский (Russian)

протоколи українська (Ukranian)

Investigating and Responding to Incidents of Hate and Bias

The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District is committed to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all. When incidents of hate or bias occur, we respond promptly, consistently, and with care across all schools. We are committed not only to responding to incidents, but to preventing them through ongoing education, partnership, and a focus on belonging for every member of our community.

 

What Happens When an Incident Occurs

Immediate Action

  • Document the incident (written description, photos, or other evidence)
  • Remove or address harmful language or imagery
  • Provide support to impacted students and staff
  • Implement interim safety measures for impacted students, as appropriate
  • Notify school and district leadership teams 
  • Communicate with families 

How We Investigate

  • Review available evidence (video, digital, etc.)
  • Speak with students, staff, and witnesses
  • Look for patterns or prior related incidents
  • Continue follow-up until the situation is resolved

 

How We Respond

Accountability and Growth

  • Use restorative practices to repair harm and build understanding
  • Provide educational support to address impact and prevent recurrence

Tracking and Communication

  • All incidents are documented and reviewed at the district level
  • Incident dashboard is located on the website and updated twice a year 
  • We do not share individual student information due to privacy laws
  • The district monitors trends to strengthen prevention efforts
  • Communicate with community members, as appropriate 

 

Incident Investigation Timeline and Factors

It is important for all parties involved to note that a comprehensive incident investigation typically requires a significant time commitment. The process is estimated to take between five and ten school days to fully finalize. Our primary goal is to establish a complete and accurate understanding of the incident.

Variability in Timeline

This five to ten day period is a general guideline, and the actual duration of the investigation can vary considerably. Several factors can influence the timeline, including:

  • Incident Complexity: More complex incidents, involving multiple witnesses, intricate technical details, or extensive documentation, naturally require more time for thorough review.
  • Information Gathering: The time it takes to collect all necessary evidence, statements, and documentation (e.g., security footage) directly impacts the overall timeline. Delays in receiving crucial information can extend the investigation period.
  • Availability of Key Personnel: The need to interview key witnesses, students, and other impacted individuals must be scheduled. The availability of these individuals can affect how quickly the investigation team can proceed.

Bullying Policies and Procedures

ABRSD recognizes that safe school environments are necessary for students to engage in learning. If you believe that you or your child has been a target of bullying, contact your building principal.

Below, you will find information regarding bullying.

Anonymous Reporting

You can submit a report completely anonymous by not telling us your name (we won't know who you are). However, it may impede the investigation in the event that we have clarifying questions about your report. If you choose to tell us who you are, we can maintain your anonymity in most cases.

High school students can submit an anonymous report about bullying, harassment, or hate/bias HERE.

Junior High school students can submit an anonymous report about bullying, harassment, or hate/bias HERE.

The online incident report form is only monitored during school hours. If you have immediate concern for your safety or the safety of someone else, please call 911.

If you connect with a trusted adult or submit an online reporting form, the incident will be investigated by our school administrators. While every incident is different, our goal is to help repair harm and restore safety to those impacted and help educate those who caused the harm so they do not inflict harm again.