Bullying Information

Bullying on or while utilizing USD 439 property, in a USD 439 vehicle or at any USD 439 sponsored activity or event is prohibited.

What is Bullying?

1. Any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal, electronic or physical act or threat that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating*, threatening or abusive educational environment for a student or staff member that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, knows or should know will have the effect of
   1. harming a student or staff member, whether physically or mentally;
   2. damaging a student’s or staff member’s property;
   3. placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of harm to the student or staff member; or
   4. placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of damage to the student’s or staff member’s property; or
   5. cyberbullying, or
   6. any other form of intimidation* or harassment prohibited by any policy of USD 439.

1. “Cyberbullying” means bullying by use of any electronic communication device through means including, but not limited to, e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, mobile phones, pagers, online games and websites.
2. “School vehicle” means any school bus, school van, other school vehicle and private vehicle used to transport students or staff members to and from school or any school-sponsored activity or event.

This policy is not intended to prohibit expression of religious, philosophical, or political views, provided that the expression does not substantially disrupt the educational environment. Many behaviors that do not rise to the level of harassment, intimidation * or bullying may still be prohibited by other district policies or building, classroom, or program rules.

Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement or mental health facility will be used to change the behavior of the perpetrator and remediate the impact on the victim. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation * or bullying also constitutes violations of this policy.

The superintendent is authorized to direct development and implementation of procedures addressing the elements of this policy, consistent with the complaint and investigation components of district, state and federal procedures.

*There will be no initiation of any form in the USD 439 school system. Any student found to be intimidating a student in lieu of initiation or for some other reason may be suspended. This suspension will be at the discretion of the principal as determined by the circumstances.

Should you have concerns regarding student conflict/bullying, please access the online reporting tool in this link.  An email notification is sent to the building's principal immediately so he/she can address the situation.

The Kansas State Department of Education, in partnership with Kansas Children's Service League has provided a 24-hour hotline as an additional resource.  The hotline can be reached at 1-800-332-6378 or 1-800-CHILDREN.  You can also contact the hotline via text or email at www.1800children@kcsl.org.

What is Peer Conflict?

Peer conflict is when two students with no perceived imbalance of power argue, disagree, or fight. Conflict Resolution or peer mediation may be appropriate

Bullying is……                    

• Based on an imbalance of power and is one-sided.
• Sinister in motive-intended to harm.
• Humiliating, cruel, demeaning, comments, thinly disguised as jokes.
• Laughter directed at the target, not with the target.
• Meant to diminish the sense of self-worth of the target.
• Inducing fear of further taunting or can be a prelude to physical bullying.
• Continuing especially when target becomes distressed or objects to the taunting.

Bullying is NOT…

• Allowing the teaser and teased to swap rolls with ease.
• Innocent in motive; NOT intended to hurt the other person.
• Maintaining the basic dignity of everyone involved.
• Poking fun in a lighthearted, clever and benign way.
• Meant to get both parties to laugh.
• A small part of the activities shared by kids who have something in common.
• Discontinued when the teased becomes upset or objects to the teasing.

Adapted from Coloroso, Barbara, The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander (2004)

What can parents and families do to help?

• Discuss the situation with your child. Listen closely to the details.
• Contact the child’s school.
• Work with the school administration.
• Be supportive of your child.
• Continue to monitor your child’s interactions with others at school, home, neighborhood, and on their use of social media.
• Create plans with your child to help them know how to react when feeling uncomfortable or bullied, such as whom to go to for help.

Kansas Safe School Resource Center

CyberBullying