Bullying

Bullying defined: Bullying means any unwanted verbal, physical, or social behavior among students that involves a real or perceived power imbalance and is repeated or has the potential to be repeated:

That occurs on school premises, on school-sponsored transportation, or at a school-sponsored event, or that disrupts the education process. This definition shall not be interpreted to prohibit civil exchange of opinions or debate or cultural practices protected under the state or federal Constitution where the opinion expressed does not otherwise materially or substantially disrupt the education process. Students who violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Prohibitions: Bullying is prohibited at all times on school property and off school grounds during school-sponsored activities. This prohibition also applies to visitors to the school who may come into contact with employees and students.

Reports, Investigation, Response:

      • Students who believe they have been a victim of bullying or who have observed incidents involving other students being bullied, shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, report it to a classroom teacher.
      • The classroom teacher shall take appropriate action as outlined in the Student Discipline Code. The teacher shall refer the report to the Principal/designee for further action when the report involves an offense that may warrant suspension or expulsion of a student, any felony offense, or a report that may be required by law, including reports to law enforcement.
      • Employees are expected to take reasonable and prudent action in situations involving student welfare and safety, including following District policy requirements for intervening and reporting to the Principal or to their immediate supervisor those situations that threaten, harass, or endanger the safety of students, other staff members, or visitors to the school or District. Such instances shall include, but are not limited to, bullying or hazing of students and harassment/discrimination of staff, students or visitors by any party.
      • The District Code shall specify to whom reports of alleged instances of bullying or hazing shall be made. In serious instances of peer-to-peer bullying/hazing/harassment, employees must report to the alleged victim’s Principal, as directed by Board policy 09.42811.
      • The Principal/designee shall investigate and address alleged incidents of such misbehavior. The Principal/Designee upon receipt of a report of bullying from a teacher or student will investigate, take appropriate action in accordance with the Student Discipline Code and District policies, document the incident, inform the parent/guardian of students involved, and log it in the Student Information System.