Bullying/Cyberbullying
The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for district students. The Board recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, the Board prohibits bullying by district students.
Definitions
Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students that is severe, persistent or pervasive and which has the effect of doing any of the following:[1]
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- Substantial interference with a student’s education.
- Creation of a threatening environment.
- Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.
Examples of bullying include but are not limited to physically, emotionally, or mentally harming a student; damaging, extorting, or taking a student’s property; placing a student in reasonable fear of physical, emotional, or mental harm; placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to or loss of personal property; creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s education opportunities; or perpetuation of conduct by an individual or group, with the intent to demean, dehumanize, embarrass, or incite a student.
Bullying, as defined and used in this policy, includes cyberbullying, i.e. bullying through the utilization of electronic device(s), including but not limited to computers, the Internet, social media websites, email, instant messaging, blogs, interactive and digital technologies, cell phones, smartphones, personal digital communication devices, and other similar electronic devices.
School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school and on the way to and from school.
Delegation of Responsibility
Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free from bullying.
The Superintendent or designee shall develop administrative regulations to implement this policy. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that this policy and administrative regulations are reviewed annually with students.
The Superintendent or designee, in cooperation with other appropriate administrators, shall review this policy every three (3) years and recommend necessary revisions to the Board.
District administration shall annually provide the following information with the Safe School Report:[1]
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- Board’s Bullying Policy.
- Report of bullying incidents.
- Information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs.
Guidelines
The Code of Student Conduct, which shall contain this policy, shall be disseminated annually to students.
Each building principal will inform staff, parents/guardians, and students who is to be notified when bullying is suspected.
This policy shall be accessible in every classroom. The policy shall be posted in a prominent location within each school building and on the district website, if available.
Education
The district may develop and implement bullying prevention and intervention programs. Such programs shall provide district staff and students with appropriate training for effectively responding to, intervening in, and reporting incidents of bullying.
Consequences for Violations
A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the district Code of Student Conduct.
Related Policies
Policy 103
Nondiscrimination/Title IX Sexual Harassment Affecting Students
Policy 103.1
Nondiscrimination: QualifiedStudents with Disabilities
Policy 104
Nondiscriminationin Employment Practices
Policy 247
Hazing
Policy 249
Bullying/Cyberbullying
Related Administrative Regulations
AR 103.1
Nondiscrimination—Qualified Students with Disabilities Grievance Process
AR 103A
Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Practice Complaint Procedures
AR 103B
Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Practice—Gender and Gender Identity
AR 103C
Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures and Grievance Process