New Brighton Area School District

Bullying Policy

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 student’s 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 district’s 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.  Board’s 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