Policy

Guides

249.1 Bullying

1.  Purpose

2.  Definitions

24 P.S.§13-1303.1-A (e)

3.  Authority

4.  Reporting

Procedures

5.  Guidelines

24 P.S.§13-1303-A (b)

24 P.S.§13-1303.1-A (b)

24 P.S.§13-1303.1-A (c)

24 P.S.13-1303-A (b)

The Union Area School District is committed to providing all students and employees with a safe and civil educational environment, free from harassment or bullying. The Union Area School District recognizes that bullying interferes with the learning process and may present an obstacle to the academic, vocational, and social/emotional development of students. 

For purposes of this code, “Bullying" shall mean an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or a series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive; and that has the effect of doing any of the following:

        1. Substantially interferes with a student’s education;

     2. Creates a threatening environment; or

        3. Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.

"School Setting" shall mean in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school. 

Researchers have identified four forms of bullying:

1.  Physical – the most commonly known form; includes hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, and taking personal belongings.

2.  Verbal – includes taunting, malicious teasing, name-calling, and making threats.

3.  Psychological or Relational – involves spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, and engaging in social exclusion or intimidation.

4.  Cyber-Bullying – forms of verbal and psychological bullying may also occur on the Internet through e-mail, instant messaging, or personal profile web sites such as My-Space.  Cyber-bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student, teacher or employee of the district by sending or posting inappropriate or derogatory e-mail messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or web site postings (including blogs). 

All forms of bullying and cyber-bullying by school district students are prohibited.  Anyone who engages in bullying or cyber-bullying in violation of this policy shall be subject to appropriate discipline.

Victims-all students who believe they have been the victim of bullying shall promptly report the bullying incident to a teacher, counselor, or building administrator.

Parents/guardians-all parents/guardians who become aware of any bullying are encouraged to report the bullying incident(s) to the building principal.

Witnesses-all students who witness bullying shall immediately report the bullying incident (s) to a teacher, counselor or administrator.  Any teacher, counselor or administrator who witnesses bullying shall immediately intervene and take appropriate action to stop the bullying.

Teacher/Counselors-any teacher/counselor who witnesses bullying or receives a report from a student or parent/guardian of bullying shall make a referral to the building principal for investigation and appropriate action.

The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective 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.

The building principal will investigate the alleged conduct that occurred.

The building principal may ask assistance from other district employees in the investigation process.

Staff members involved in investigating the incident shall seek to discuss the bullying incident(s) with the victim in a place where the victim feels secure.  The initial discussion with victim shall not take place in the presence of the offending student(s).  If more than one student is involved in perpetuating the bullying, the staff member shall talk to each of the offending students separately.

Parents/guardians of each offending student, as well as victim(s) shall be informed of any bullying incident involving their child. 

After the investigation has been completed, the building principal shall take appropriate actions consistent with this policy.

A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct, which may include:

1.                          Counseling within the school.

2.                          Parental conference.

3.                          Loss of School Privileges

4.                          Transfer to another class or school bus.

5.                          Exclusion from school-sponsored activities.

6.                          Detention

7.                          Suspension.

8.                          Expulsion.

9.                          Counseling/Therapy outside of school.

10.                     Referral to law enforcement officials.

If an investigation substantiates that bullying has occurred, a written record of the incident shall be placed in the file of the offending student(s), and a copy sent to the building principal for accountability purposes in the annual Safe Schools Report.

The Code of Student Conduct, which shall contain this policy, shall be disseminated annually to students.

This policy shall be accessible in every classroom.  The policy shall be posted in a prominent location within each school building and on the district web site.

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.

Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free from bullying and cyber-bullying.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that this policy is reviewed annually with students.

The Superintendent or designee, in cooperation with other appropriate administrators and staff members, shall review this policy every three years and recommend necessary revisions to the Board.

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 or education programs.