(Reference: OJR School Board Policy # 249 – Bullying/Cyberbullying)
Providing students with a positive and safe environment in which to learn and to grow is the primary goal and responsibility of each member of the Owen J. Roberts Middle School Community as outlined in policy. Our bullying prevention program was implemented in an effort to address the problem of bullying in our school. Core components of the program include increasing student awareness of bullying behaviors, equipping students with the skills and tools to respond to situations where they are the victim of bullying or where they have observed another student being bullied, and creating a caring and positive environment. Students who are the victims of bullying or who witness bullying should complete an incident report that is available in the Guidance Office. A code of conduct has been developed that specifically addresses this type of behavior.
Our school has identified four main ideas for bullying prevention. These concepts will be posted throughout the building and in all classrooms for student reference:
1. We will not bully others.
2. We will help students who are being bullied.
3. We will make it a point to include students who are easily left out.
4. If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and at home.
If there is confirmation that a student has engaged in bullying, consequences will be assigned by a teacher or administrator and a parent will be notified. Continued violations by the same student could lead to further/increased disciplinary action. The following behaviors are examples of Level One offenses: pushing, shoving, kicking, teasing, mocking, taunting, spreading rumors, gossiping, and giving dirty looks.
Students who continue to engage in Level I offenses will move to Level II discipline. Consequences at this level will be determined by a building administrator. Level II offenses include, but are not limited to, defacing property or clothing, spitting, social rejection, and physical acts that are demeaning.
Students who continue to engage in bullying will move to Level III discipline. Consequences at this level will be determined by a building administrator. Level III offenses include, but are not limited to, trapping a student in a closed or confined space, threats of physical harm, fighting, assault, sexual harassment, theft, and/or repeated verbal and physical harm.