Stand Up for Someone

In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Lee's Summit R-7 School District prohibits all forms of bullying. The district also prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying among or against students.  Missouri House Bill 1583 requires districts to make changes to their model bullying policies.  Policy JFCF (Bullying & Cyberbullying) and JFCG (Hazing) are the specific LSR-7 policies that address these situations. 

What is Bullying and Cyberbullying?

Bullying - Is defined as intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or property damage; oral, written, or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.

Cyberbullying - A form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager. The district has jurisdiction over cyberbullying that uses the district's technology resources or that originates on district property, at a district activity or on district transportation. Even when cyberbullying does not involve district property, activities or technology resources, the district will impose consequences and discipline for those who engage in cyberbullying if there is a sufficient nexus to the educational environment, the behavior materially and substantially disrupts the educational environment, the communication involves a threat as defined by law, or the district is otherwise allowed by law to address the behavior.

How do I report an incident of bullying or cyberbullying?

Students, parents, staff, or community members can report incidents of bullying in multiple ways.  We encourage students and parents to contact their school principal as the principal is the direct designee and most appropriate person to investigate these situations.  Reporting can also be anonymous by going to the school website and clicking the Safe Schools Alert icon.  https://www.lsr7.org/schools/all/.  Reporting can occur via text, email, phone, or web.

How will my student know what to do if bullying or cyberbullying occurs?

Each year the district will provide education and information about bullying and this policy to students every year.  The principal of each school, in consultation with school counselors and other appropriate school employees, will determine the best methods for facilitating the discussion.  

In addition to educating students about the content of this policy, the district will inform students of: 

• The procedure for reporting bullying. 

• The harmful effects of bullying. 

• Any initiatives the school or district has created to address bullying, including student peer to-peer initiatives. 

• The consequences for those who participate in bullying or engage in reprisal or retaliation against those who report bullying. 

School counselors, social workers, mental health professionals, school psychologists or other appropriate district staff will educate students who are victims of bullying about how to overcome the negative effects of bullying including, but not limited to: 

• Cultivating the student's self-worth and self-esteem. 

• Teaching the student to defend him or herself assertively and effectively without violence. 

• Helping the student develop social skills. 

• Encouraging the student to develop an internal locus of control. 

Resources for parents:

• http://www.lscares.org/bullying.html

• https://www.stopbullying.gov/

• https://www.commonsensemedia.org/cyberbullying

• DESE Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative

• https://store.samhsa.gov/apps/knowbullying/index.html