SHADY GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT 26
HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING AND THREATENING BEHAVIOR BY STUDENTS
The School Bullying Prevention Act and School District prohibit peer student harassment, intimidation, bullying and threatening behavior. This policy is in effect while the students are on school grounds, in school transportation, or attending school-sponsored activities, and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the school district. The term “harassment, intimidation and bullying” includes, but is not limited to any gesture, written or verbal expression, electronic communication or physical act that a reasonable person should know will:
1. harm another student;
2. damage another student’s property;
3. place another student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or damage to the student’s property; or
4. Insult or demean any student or group of students in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the School District’s education mission or the education of any student.
The term “threatening behavior” means any pattern of behavior or isolated action, whether or not it is directed at another person, that a reasonable person would believe indicates potential for future harm to students, school personnel or school property.
The Board of Education has adopted a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, bullying and threatening behavior that defines and explains this conduct and the District’s response to the requirements of state law. Students and their parents can obtain a copy of the policy from their building principal or the superintendent. Students should immediately report acts of harassment, intimidation, bullying or threatening behavior toward them or other students to school personnel. Parents should:
1. Report harassment, intimidation, bullying and threatening behavior when it occurs;
2. Take advantage of opportunities to talk to their children about prohibited conduct;
3. Inform the school immediately if they think their child is receiving or initiating prohibited conduct;
4. Watch for symptoms that their child may be a victim of prohibited conduct and report those symptoms;
5. Cooperate fully with school personnel in identifying and resolving incidents; and
6. Participate in all activities designed to eliminate harassment, intimidation, bullying and threatening behavior, including activities designed to address confirmed incidents.