BULLYING 

St. Rita School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination. Bullying of students (or by students) is forbidden at school and off-campus.

Bullying occurs when a student or group of students consistently engages in written, verbal expression, or physical conduct that: 

1. Will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable harm to the student’s person or damage to the student’s property, or

2. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.

Examples of bullying may include, but are not limited to, hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, confinement, assault, demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name calling, rumor spreading, ostracism, and cyber bullying.

Any person who believes he or she has been the subject of harassment/bullying shall report the alleged harassment to the Principal, Vice Principal, or Dean of Students. The allegation will be investigated and the complaint and investigation  documents will be kept on file in the school office. Anyone witnessing or suspecting harassment/bullying has the obligation to report it to the administration. Any disciplinary action taken will be at the discretion of the administration and will depend on the results of the investigation. Should bullying be reported to a teacher, it is the responsibility of the teacher to inform the principal immediately. 

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY 

Based on our philosophy that Catholic schools have been established to provide an environment of faith, which brings all of life together within the grace of love of God, we have established the anti-bullying policy set forth. St. Rita Catholic School views bullying as unchristian behavior and it will not be tolerated. 

This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical, or political views, provided that the expression does not substantially disrupt the education environment. Many behaviors that do not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation, or bullying may still be prohibited by other district policies or building, classroom, or program rules. 

Counseling and corrective discipline by the Principal, Vice Principal, or Dean of Students (and/or referral to law enforcement when necessary) will be used to change the behavior of the perpetrator and remediate the impact on the victim. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation or bullying also constitute violations of this policy. 

The anti-bullying policy of St. Rita Catholic School serves to ensure that all students experience a safe environment that is conducive to learning. The following steps will be taken when dealing with bullying incidents: 

• Isolated or initial incidents which do not constitute bullying will be handled by the teacher in charge at the time of the incident. Depending on the severity of the incident, the principal and/or parents may be notified. Disciplinary guidelines set forth in the school handbook will be followed. 

• Any incidents which may constitute bullying should be reported immediately to the teacher in charge at the time of the incident. The teacher in charge at the time of the incident will immediately deal with those involved in the incident. 

• In some cases, students may choose to report the incident to a different adult in the building, such as their homeroom/advisory teacher. If so, students are encouraged to report as soon as possible following the incident(s). 

• The Dean of Students or teacher in charge should be made aware of any bullying incidents.  Students engaging in bullying behavior will be disciplined according to the school discipline policy. Depending on the severity and length of incident, parents may be notified, as well as other teachers who have the students involved in classes afterward. This will ensure that the incident does not continue when students proceed to the next class. 

• Written documentation of student, staff and parent reporting should occur.  Full investigation will take place, including acquiring physical evidence and consulting with all involved parties.

• If the bullying does not cease after the student has been disciplined, parents will be notified, and further action will be taken according to the school discipline policy. 

• The consequences for bullying will vary depending on the situation, may include, but are not limited to writing apology letters, in school and /or out of school suspension, expulsion, community service, and referral to law enforcement. 

In addition to the above outlined steps, anti-bullying policy requires the following: 

• Teachers of St. Rita Catholic School students are expected to: 

  • • Teach their students about what constitutes bullying, effective strategies to avoid being bullied, and ways to report bullying. 

    • Give their students opportunities to role play and practice the strategies taught to avoid bullying and to report incidents. 

    • Teach their students strategies that can be used when students find themselves as bystanders to an incident. These strategies should also be practiced by the students under the guidance of the classroom teacher and/or school counselor(s).

    • Have a designated area and method for students to report bullying and to leave messages discreetly. 

    • Every incident will be taken seriously. Student reports will not be dismissed as tattling. The adult will determine if the report is unfounded or if further action should be taken. 

*St. Rita Catholic School also offers an Upstanders Club for middle school students. This club teaches students, through practice using scenarios, how to refuse to be a bystander, respect differences, and be a friend.*

Parents of St. Rita Catholic School students are expected to: 

• Report concerns of bullying behavior to their child’s appropriate teacher as soon as possible following the incident(s). If concerns are not handled sufficiently at this level, a report should be made to the school administration. 

• Understand and support the school’s anti-bullying policy and actively encourage their child to avoid bullying behavior. This includes encouraging their child (after an incident) to respond to the situation by using non-bullying behavior. 

• Obtain anti-bullying information from teachers and /or the principal if desired. 

• Understand that administrators will maintain student confidentiality.

Students of St. Rita Catholic School should: 

• Report incidents of bullying they witness or experience to the teacher in charge at the time of the incident, to another staff member, or using the online reporting system as soon as possible following the incident. 

• Whenever possible, stand up for the student being bullied and refrain from joining in bullying behavior. 

• Treat others with the respect and dignity that is expected of a Catholic school student. 

• Take pride in their school environment and play an active role in creating a positive learning atmosphere for every student attending St. Rita Catholic School.