The Faulkton Area Schools District 24-4 is committed to maintaining a constructive, safe school climate that is conducive to student learning and fostering an environment in which all students’ are treated with respect and dignity.
Persistent bullying can severely inhibit a student’s ability to learn and may have lasting negative effects on a student’s life. The bullying of students by students, staff or third parties is strictly prohibited and shall not be tolerated.
Bullying consists of physical, verbal, written or electronic conduct directed toward a student that is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it:
1. Has the purpose of effecting or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive
academic environment, or
2. Has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with a student’s academic performance which deprives the student access to educational opportunities.
This policy is in effect while students are on property within the jurisdiction of the board; while students are in school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while students are attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while students are away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district.
1. Reporting Procedure:
a. Incidents of bullying, whether directly observed by a student or staff member
or reported by a student to a staff member, are considered serious infractions of school policy and will be handled in that manner.
b. All incidents must be reported immediately to a classroom teacher,
paraprofessional aide or a principal so that the incident is documented.
c. Documentation may consist of either an oral or written statement taken from a student or staff member.
d. Facts of the incident may be entered into the appropriate student’s Infinite Campus file for future reference.
2. Investigation of referral:
a. Facts of the incident will be gathered informally by the teacher, staff member
or administrator and the incident will be referred to a principal for immediate action.
b. Students involved in the incident will be questioned to determine the factual background details of the incident.
c. If the facts, as stated by the individuals in question, lend credence to the report the parents of the student(s) involved in the incident will be notified within a reasonable time period.
3. Consequences for bullying:
a. 1st Offense:
i. Notification of parents
ii. 1 hour detention
iii. 1 day of in-school suspension (student may receive credit for work up to 69% of total allotted points for each assignment given): OR
iv. 1 day of suspension from all school activities and classes (student will not receive credit for any assignments and is prevented from either participating in or attending any school activity for the day).
b. 2nd Offense:
i. Notification of parents
ii. 2 hours of detention
iii. 2 days of in-school suspension (student may receive credit for work up to 69% of total allotted points for each assignment given); OR
iv. 2 days of suspension from all school activities and classes (student will not receive credit for any assignments and is prevented from either participating in or attending any school activity for the day).
c. 3rd Offense:
i. Notification of parents
ii. 3 days of suspension from all school activities and classes (student will not receive credit for any assignments and is prevented from either participating in or attending any school activity for the day)
iii. Referral to Superintendent and/or Board of Education for hearing for the purposes of suspension from or expulsion from school district.
4. Non-retaliation policy:
a. The school board, administration and teaching staff are conscious of the fact that retaliation against a student who files a bullying complaint may occur. The district staff and board of education will not permit retaliation under any circumstances.
b. Incidents of retaliation related to a bullying complaint will be referred to the administration for further disciplinary action.
c. Law enforcement may be called in cases of a serious where threats of bodily injury, personal property damage, or physical violence have or may occur.
5. Bullying Prevention Activities:
a. Character Counts for grades K-12
b. DARE for grade 5
c. Staff and student in-service programs as scheduled throughout the school term.
d. Policy will be listed in the Faulkton Area Schools District 24-4 Student
Handbook, on the school website and in the School Board Policy
Manual and Teacher’s Handbook for reference.
This policy shall not be interpreted to prohibit civil exchange of opinions or debate protected under the state or federal constitutions where the opinion expressed does not otherwise materially or substantially disrupt the education process or intrude upon the rights of others.