Bullying Prevention

Our District supports a secure school climate, conducive to teaching and learning that is free from threat, harassment, and any type of bullying behavior. Students and staff shall conduct themselves according to the rules and policies of the school district, and shall conduct themselves in a respectful manner toward others. Harassment, intimidation or bullying of or by students at school is prohibited.

Harassment, intimidation or bullying means any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal or physical act that a reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of:

1. Harming a person physically or emotionally, damaging a person's property, or placing a person in reasonable fear of personal harm or property damage;

2. Insulting or demeaning a person or group of students causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of school; or

3. Is so sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that is creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for a person or group of students.

A school as used in this policy includes a classroom or other location on school premises, a school bus or other school related vehicle, a school bus stop, an activity or event sponsored by a school, whether or not it is held on school premises, and any other program or function where the school is responsible for the child.

Our District believes that bullying is a devastating form of abuse that can have long-term effects on youthful victims, robbing them of self-esteem, isolating them from their peers, causing them to drop out of school, and even prompting health problems and suicide.

District Policies regarding bullying: Policy JICFA: Harrassment, Intimidation, and Bullying. 

Cyberbullying-What Can You Do?

IM'ing, texting, MySpace, Facebook...there are so many new ways to talk to people today it's amazing. As much as these can all be fun ways to stay in touch with your B/F/F's, sometimes it can get tricky. Here is some help on what you can do about cyberbullying.

If you are being cyberbullied:

• Do NOT reply back to a harassing or threatening message.

• Do NOT open any future messages from someone who is bullying you. If they are IM-ing you, log off.

• If the person who is cyberbullying you is on your friend list, remove them or block them from sending you messages.

• Save any evidence such as e-mails, IM's, text messages, etc. Print them out, if possible.

• Tell a parent, a teacher, or another trusted adult what is happening.

If you know someone who is being cyberbullied:

• Encourage them to do the things listed above.

• If you are on-line and witness someone else being bullied, ask the person to stop, change the subject or log off.

• Ask a parent, teacher, or trusted adult for help.

If you are cyberbullying someone:

• Regardless of how you feel about the person you are bullying, STOP.

• Understand that you could be charged with harassment.

Reporting a Bullying Incident

Help stop bullying within Lander schools. If you are being bullied or if you have witnessed bullying taking place, please report it one of the following ways:

1. Email it to Mr. Morton at jmorton@landerschools.org or Mr. Horton at jhorton@landerschools.org or Mrs. Polson spolson@landerschools.org or Mrs. Jensen cristinajensen@landerschools.org.

2. File an anonymous report at www.safe2tellwy.org.

3. Stop by the offices of a Principal or Counselor to report in person.  

4. Contact Lander Police if it's outside of school or at a time that cannot wait.