KAMS Bullying Policy

KUTZTOWN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Bullying Prevention Information
The goal of the Kutztown Area School District is that all students will come to school free from fear of harassment or degradation and that all parents will be free from worry that such things will happen. We will eliminate bullying incidents in our schools creating a safer place to learn.
What is bullying?
Bullying shall mean unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct directed at a student by another that has the intent of, or the effect of:
1.
Physically, emotionally or mentally harming a student
2.
Damaging, extorting or taking a student’s personal property
3.
Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical, emotional or mental harm
4.
Placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to, or loss of personal property
5.
Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities
Bullying shall mean an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or series of acts, directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:
1.
Physical: hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing and taking personal belongings
2.
Verbal: taunting, malicious teasing, name calling and making threats
3.
Psychological or Relational: 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. It may include but is not limited to, harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening or terrorizing another student, teacher or staff member.
Bullying will not be tolerated within our school community.
Why focus on bullying?
All of us are concerned about levels of violence by young people in our communities and in our schools. Studies have shown that 60% of children who are identified as bullies in middle school go on to have arrest records. We need to address the behavior problems of these children at an early age, before it becomes even more serious. In addition, children who are the victims of bullies may have problems with depression, poor school attendance, and low self-esteem. It is important to help create a school environment where ALL children feel safe and can learn to the best of their abilities.
What does Bullying Prevention involve?
Bullying prevention may include the total effort of all school staff (including teachers, principals, school counselors, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, etc.) as well as students, parents, and other members of the community to reduce bullying and other forms of violence.
The district’s efforts have included, and may continue to include (depending on grade level):
•
Identifying bullies, and victims of bullying, in order to address their individual problems and needs
•
Establishing school-wide rules and applying consistent sanctions against bullying
•
Holding regular classroom meetings to discuss problems of bullying and violence with children and increasing supervision of children at school, holding school-wide assemblies on bullying, making use of videos, books, and other resources on bullying
Will Bullying Prevention help?
Studies have shown that bullying prevention can be very effective in reducing bullying and related antisocial behavior of school children. In places where bullying prevention has been used, bullying has been reduced by 25% to 50%. Children and school personnel involved in the program reported that they felt more positive about school.
We Will:
•
Teach students that ignoring the bully, or trying to work it out with the bully, is not effective.
•
Be sure that students know that there are many adults within the school and community to whom they can come when reporting an incident of bullying and that we will protect them.
•
Support classroom rules consistently.
•
Thoroughly train all adults concerning bullying prevention and provide specific strategies to intervene effectively and consistently.
•
Teach all students that bullying is destructive to both the victim and the bully.
•
Teach coping strategies via planned discussions.
•
Provide positive ways for students to resolve conflicts and problems.
•
Reinforce the firm and clear message that bullying is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Coping Strategies for overcoming Bullying:
Do you feel like there is nothing you can do to help yourself? Take a look at these ideas to help deal with your problem and reduce your chances of being a target for bullying.
• Look Confident!
Even if you’re not, act confident—others will think that you are.
• Talk to someone about it!
Although another person may not be able to fix your problem, it’s always a good idea to share
your worries with someone you trust.
• Be assertive!
Speak up and stand up for yourself—it’s your right.
• Reply to taunts briefly and neutrally.
Responses such as “Maybe” or “Whatever” are effective.
• Find and join a group.
Belonging boosts confidence
Constitution for Caring:
•
We will not bully other students.
•
We will help students who are being bullied.
•
We will include students who are left out.
How can parents get involved?
Through parents’ organization meetings, other school events, and mailings we hope to inform you about this program and the many problems associated with bullying.
We will discuss with you ways of identifying whether your children may be involved as bullies, or as victims of bullying, and we will suggest strategies and resources for you.
Warning signs of being bullied:
•
comes home from school with torn or dirty clothing, damaged books
•
has cuts, bruises, scratches
•
has few, if any, friends to play with
•
seems afraid to go to school, complains of headaches, stomach pains
•
doesn’t sleep well, has bad dreams
•
loses interest in school work
•
seems sad, depressed or moody
•
is anxious, has poor self-esteem
•
is quiet, sensitive, passive
If your child shows several of these warning signs, it’s possible he or she is being bullied by other children. You may want to talk with your child to find out what is troubling him or her and schedule a conference to discuss your concerns with school staff.
Warning signs of bullying others:
•
teases, threatens, kicks other children
•
is hot-tempered, impulsive, has a hard time following rules
•
is aggressive toward adults
•
is tough, shows no sympathy toward children who are bullied
•
has been involved in other antisocial activities such as vandalism or stealing
If your child shows several of these warning signs, it’s possible that he or she is bullying one or more children. You may want to spend some extra time talking with your child about his or her behavior and schedule a conference to talk about these issues with school staff.
Please fill out and return the parent sign-off section on the next page.
Kutztown Area School District does not discriminate in our educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry or any other legally protected classification. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Information relative to special accommodation, grievance procedure, and the designated responsible official for compliance with Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 may be obtained by contacting the school district. EOE
Revised July 2009
KUTZTOWN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Bullying Prevention Information
Please read the Bullying Prevention information provided, sign and return this form.
Student’s name: ________________________________________________________
Grade: __________________
My signature indicates that I have received, read and understand the KASD Bullying Prevention information provided.
____________________________________ _______________________
Parent/Guardian’s signature Date
Kutztown Area School District does not discriminate in our educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry or any other legally protected classification. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Information relative to special accommodation, grievance procedure, and the designated responsible official for compliance with Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 may be obtained by contacting the school district. EOE
Revised July 2009

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