Bullying Policy

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or
perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over
time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone
physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

Harassment, intimidation, and bullying have a negative effect on the social environment of
schools creating a climate of fear among students, inhibiting the ability to learn, and, potentially,
leading to other antisocial behavior. The purpose of this policy is to create an environment free
of unnecessary disruption and create a climate conducive to the learning process.

Threatening behavior, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are prohibited on school grounds,
in school vehicles, at school-sponsored activities, or at school-sanctioned events. Threatening
behavior, harassment, intimidation, and bullying by electronic communication is prohibited
whether or not such communication originated at school or with school equipment, when the
communication is specifically directed at students or school personnel and concern harassment,
intimidation, or bullying at school.

Harassment, intimidation, and bullying means any gesture, written or verbal expression,
electronic communication, or physical act that a reasonable person should know will:

A. Harm another student
B. Damage another student’s property
C. Place another student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or damage to
the student’s property
D. Insult or demean any student or group of students

Definitions:
A. Electronic Communication the communication of any written, verbal, or pictorial information by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, a cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunication device, or computer.
B. Threatening Behavior any pattern of behavior or isolated action, whether or not it is directed at another person, that a reasonable person would believe indicates potential for future harm to students, school personnel or school property.