7:180-AP1, E3 Memo to Staff Regarding Bullying

On District or School Letterhead

Date

Re: Bullying

All staff members:

Please join me in stopping and preventing student bullying in our school. The purpose of this letter is to introduce you to our three-pronged approach that will help accomplish this goal.

First – If a student reports bullying to you, respond immediately and with compassion. Ask for the basic facts (who-what-when-where). Refer the report to my office. Give the student our form for reporting bullying, 7:180-AP1, E5, Report Form for Bullying.

Second – Provide me your feedback and concerns. Do you know of any bullying hot spots that need additional supervision or monitoring? Are there known bullies or targets of bullying?

Third – Intervene immediately to stop a bullying incident. When teachers or adults ignore bullying, students interpret it as acceptable behavior. Immediately contact administration and building security or law enforcement if the incident involves a weapon or other illegal activity.

Bullying is defined in School Board policy 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment, as follows:

Bullying means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

1. 1. Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property.
   2. Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health.
   3. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance.
   4. Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following: harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. This list is meant to be illustrative and non-exhaustive.

The Board’s entire policy may be found on the District’s website. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Building Principal

Date Adopted:  March 21, 2023