Bullying is defined as the severe or repeated use of a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, by one or more students directed at another student that has the effect of:
1. Causing physical or emotional harm to the other student or damage to his or her property;
2. placing the other student in reasonable fear of harm to him or herself or of damage to his or her property;
3. creating a hostile environment at school for the bullied student;
4. infringing on the rights of the other student at school; or
5. materially and substantially disrupting the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
Cyber-bullying is bullying through the use of technology or any electronic means. Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and Cyberbullying, is prohibited:
No student shall be subjected to harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyberbullying in any public institution, during any recreational program or activity; or through the use of data, telephone, or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network of any public educational institution.
“Bullying and cyberbullying,” unwelcome written, electronic, verbal or physical acts or gestures where a student feels coerced, intimidated, harassed or threatened and, under the circumstances, may cause: physical or emotional harm to a student, damage to another student’s property, or a disruptive or hostile school environment.
The behavior must interfere with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from services, activities, or privileges that are being offered through our department. As used in this section, “electronic communication” means any communication through an electronic device including a telephone, cellular phone, computer or social mediaExamples of bullying include but are not exclusive to:
1. Intimidation, either physical or psychological
2. Threats of any kind, stated or implied
3. Assaults on students, including those that are verbal, physical, psychological and emotional
4. Attacks on student property
Bullying will not be tolerated and will be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including suspension and expulsion from all our programming.
The department will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of harassment, including bullying. Bullying shall be stopped as soon as it occurs, all staff are required to promptly report bullying when they witness or become aware of it.
This plan shall include:
1. Procedures for responding to and investigating reports of bullying.
2. Strategies for protecting those who report bullying.
3. Notice to the parents or guardians of students involved in bullying, including perpetrators and victims.
4. Appropriate services for students who have been bullied or who are bullies.