The Board of Education supports a secure school climate, conducive to teaching and learning that is free from threat, harassment and any type of bullying behavior. The purpose of this policy is to promote consistency of approach and to help create a climate in which all types of bullying are regarded as unacceptable.
Bullying is defined as any written or verbal expression, physical act or gesture, or a pattern thereof, that is intended to cause distress upon one or more students in the school environment. For purposes of this policy, the school environment includes school buildings, grounds, vehicles, bus stops and all school-sponsored activities and events.
A student who engages in any act of bullying is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including suspension, expulsion and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. The severity and pattern, if any, of the bullying behavior shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made.
Students who are deemed to be bullies, shall be subject to the discipline policies of the district in terms of definitions and consequences.
The Superintendent, with assistance from teachers, counselors, accountability committee members and the Board of Education shall develop a comprehensive program to address bullying at all school levels. The program shall be aimed toward accomplishing the following goals:
- To send a clear message to students, staff, parents and community members that bullying will not be tolerated.
- To train staff and students in taking pro-active steps to prevent bullying from occurring.
- To implement procedures for immediate intervention, investigation, and confrontation of students engaged in bullying behavior.
- To initiate efforts to change the behavior of students engaged in bullying behaviors through re-education on acceptable behavior, discussions, counseling, and appropriate negative consequences.
- To foster a productive partnership with parents and community members in order to help maintain a bully-free environment.
- To support victims of bullying by means of individual and peer counseling.
- To help develop peer support networks, social skills and confidence for all students.
- To recognize and praise positive, supportive behaviors of students toward one another on a regular basis.
Adopted: November 20,2001
Reviewed: September 23, 2003
Legal Refs: C.R.S. 22-32-109.1 (2) (a) (X) (policy required as part of safe schools plan)
Cross Refs: JICDA, Code of Conduct
JICDD, Violent and Aggressive Behavior
JK, Student Discipline
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