Student Safety

District policy defines "bullying" among children , in general, as: "a variety of negative acts carried out repeatedly over time. It involves a real or perceived imbalance of power, with a more powerful child or group attacking those who are less powerful." Bullying can take three forms: 

a) Physical (including, but not limited to, hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, taking personal belongings);

 b) Verbal (including, but not limited to, taunting, malicious teasing, name calling, making threats); and 

c) Psychological (including, but not limited to, spreading rumors; manipulating social relationships; or engaging in social exclusion, extortion, or intimidation). 

Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student or staff member by way of any technological tool, such as sending or posting inappropriate or derogatory email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings (including blogs or social networking sites).

 Cyberbullying has the effect of:

 a) Physically, emotionally or mentally harming a student;

 b) Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical, emotional or mental harm; 

c) Placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to or loss of personal property; and d) Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student's educational opportunities.