Bullying, defined by Senate Bill 179, is a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that:
- Occurs on or is delivered to school property or the site of a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property;
- Occurs on a publicly or privately owned school bus or vehicle being used for transportation of students to or from school or a school-sponsored or school-related activity; and
- Cyberbullying that occurs off school property or outside of a school-sponsored or school-related activity if the cyberbullying:
- Interferes with a student’s educational opportunities; or
- Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of a classroom, school, or school-sponsored or school-related activity.
- Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property;
- Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student;
- Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or
- Infringes on the rights of the victim at school;
and includes cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying means bullying that is done through the use of any electronic communication device, including through the use of a cellular or other type of telephone, a computer, a camera, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, a social media application, an Internet website, or any other Internet-based communication tool.
The District prohibits retaliation by a student or District employee against any person who in good faith makes a report of bullying, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation.
The principal or designee shall investigate an allegation to determine if the report would constitute bullying, cyberbullying, or prohibited conduct. Prohibited Conduct, as defined by policy FFH includes dating violence and harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.
If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying, cyberbullying or prohibited conduct or has witnessed bullying of another student, it is important for the student or parent to report the incident to a teacher, counselor, administrator or a district employee as soon as possible. An administrator will investigate the allegation and take the appropriate disciplinary action if an investigation indicates that bullying, cyberbullying, or prohibited conduct has occurred. Absent any extenuating circumstances, the investigation should be completed within 10 District business days. The campus administration shall prepare a written report of the investigation, which should include a determination of whether or not bullying, cyberbullying or prohibited conduct occurred.
To report an incident of bullying, a parent or student may complete the Parent/Student Bullying Report form and submit it to their campus administrator or report an incident of bullying through Crime Stoppers.