Anti-Bullying

Bullying Prevention Consultation Line: (866) 716-0424 The Board is committed to providing all students with a safe, healthy, and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with mutual respect, tolerance, and dignity. To that end, the school district has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment when they occur.

What is Bullying?

Bullying shall mean an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or series of acts:

1. Directed at another student or students; and,
2. Which occurs in a school setting or impacts the school setting; and,
3. That is severe, persistent or pervasive; and,
4. That has the effect of doing any of the following:
   

• Substantially interfering with a student’s education; and/or,
• Creating a threatening environment; and/or,
• Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyber bullying.

Preventative Measures
An overview of and reference to this policy is included in the student handbooks annually. Teachers, counselors, specialists, and school administrators routinely discuss bullying with students and will provide appropriate examples to assist students with recognizing, identifying, and reporting bullying incidents. All students are informed that bullying will not be tolerated in any form. All students will be encouraged to report any bullying regardless of whether they are the victim or an observer.

When an investigation substantiates that bullying has occurred, the principal or assistant principal shall inform staff who work with the offending student and the victims about the bullying so that those staff can more closely monitor for future incidents of bullying. The primary purpose of such action is to protect the victim and deter such behavior in the future. The disciplinary action imposed on the offender will be in accordance with the punishment prescribed in the parent/student handbook.

Reporting Procedures

Victims –
All students who believe they have been the victim of bullying shall promptly report the bullying incident to a teacher, counselor, or building administrator.

Parents/Guardians –
All parents/guardians who become aware of any bullying are encouraged to report the bullying incident(s) to a building administrator.

Witnesses –
All students who witness bullying shall immediately report the bullying incident(s) to a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Any teacher, counselor or administrator who witnesses bullying shall immediately intervene and take appropriate action to stop the bullying.

Teachers/Counselors –
Any teacher or counselor who witnesses bullying or receives a report of bullying shall document such incident and promptly investigate the matter. Administrators shall seek to discuss the bullying incident(s) with the victim in a place where the victim feels secure. The initial discussion with the victim shall not take place in the presence of the offending student(s). If more than one (1) student is involved in perpetrating the bullying, the administrator shall talk to each of the offending students separately. After the investigation has been completed, the building principal shall take appropriate actions consistent with this policy.

Procedures for Addressing Student Concerns

a. Discussing with all of the involved students
b. Following policy
c. Engaging the parents
d. Involving the guidance counselors
e. Developing steps that rectify the situation
f. Alerting staff
g. Providing follow-up to determine effectiveness of the plans put in place