NEW BRIGHTON AREA                                                                                                SECTION:        PUPILS

SCHOOL DISTRICT                                                                                                       TITLE:               BULLYING/

                                                                                                                                                                            CYBERBULLYING

                                                                                                                                                ADOPTED:     11/17/08

249.  BULLYING/CYBERBULLYING

 

1.  Purpose                         The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment  for district

                                                students. The Board recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimida-

                                                tion, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to

                                                more serious violence. Therefore, the Board prohibits bullying by district students.

 

2.  Definitions                   Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of

      SC 1303.1-A                acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting that is

                                                severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

                                                            1.  Substantial interference with a studentÕs education

                                                            2.  Creation of a threatening environment

                                                            3.  Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of  the school

 

                                                Bullying as defined in this policy, includes cyberbullying.

 

     SC 1303.1-A                 School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a desig-

                                                nated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school.

                                               

3.  Authority                      The Board prohibits all forms of bullying by district students.

      SC 1303.1-A               

                                                The Board encourages students who have been bullied to promptly report such incidents

                                                to the building principal or designee.

 

                                                The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly and cor-

                                                rective action shall be taken when allegations are verified.   Confidentiality of all parties

                                                shall be maintained, consistent with the districtÕs legal and investigative obligations. 

------------------------------- No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.

 

4.  Delegation of             Each student  shall be responsible to respect the rights of others and to ensure an

      Responsibility            atmosphere free from bullying.

           

      SC 1303.1-A                The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that this policy and administrative

                                                regulations are reviewed annually with students.

 

      SC 1303.1-A                The Superintendent or designee, in cooperation with other appropriate administrators,

                                                shall review this policy every three (3) years and recommend necessary revisions to

                                                the Board.

 

      SC 1303.1-A                District administration shall annually provide the following information with the Safe

                                                School Report:

                                                            1.        BoardÕs Bullying Policy

                                                            2.        Report of Bullying Incidents

                                                            3.        Information on the development and implementation of any bullying

                                                                        prevention, intervention or education programs.

 

5.  Guidelines                   The Code of Student Conduct, which shall contain this policy, shall be disseminated

      SC 1303.1-A                annually to students.

      Title 22

      Sec. 12.3                      This policy shall be accessible in every classroom.  The policy shall be posted in a

      Pol. 218                         prominent location within each school building and on the district web site, if available.

 

                                                Education

     SC 1302-A                     The District may develop and implement bullying prevention and intervention programs.

                                                Such programs shall provide district staff and students with appropriate training for

                                                effectively responding to, intervening in and reporting incidents of bullying.

 

                                                Consequences For Violations

     SC 1303.1-A                 A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action

     Pol. 218,233                consistent with the Code of Student Conduct,           which may include:

                                                1.        Counseling within the school

                                                2.        Parental Conference

                                                3.        Loss of School Privileges

                                                4.        Exclusion from school-sponsored activities

                                                5         Detention

                                                6.        Suspension

                                                7.        Expulsion

                                                8.        Referral to law enforcement officials

 

References:  School Code – 24 P.S. Sec 1302-A. 1303.1-A; State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 12.3; and Board Policy – 000, 218, 233 and 236