Anti-Bullying Policy

We are committed to creating a safe, caring, respectful learning environment for all students.

In its commitment to providing all students and staff with a safe learning environment where everyone is treated with respect and no one is physically or emotionally harmed, the Board of Education will not tolerate any student or staff member being bullied (including cyber‐bullying) or intimidated in any form at school or school‐related events, (including off‐campus events, school‐sponsored activities, school busses, any event related to school business), or outside of school hours with the intention to be carried out during any of the above.

Such acts include those that are reasonably perceived as being motivated either by an actual or perceived attribute that includes but is not limited to race, religion, creed, color, marital status, parental status, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, mental or physical disability or any other distinguishing characteristic.

The district further prohibits the inciting, aiding, coercing or directing of others to commit acts of bullying or cyber‐bullying, harassment or intimidation. Any staff member that observes, overhears or otherwise witnesses bullying (including cyber‐bullying), harassment, or intimidation, or to whom such actions have been reported must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the behavior and to prevent its reoccurrence as detailed in the applicable Administrative Procedure. Students who observe, overhear, or otherwise witness such actions must, and parents/district visitors are encouraged to report the behaviors to a staff member. At each school, the principal or principal' s designee is responsible for receiving and promptly investigating complaints alleging violations of this policy. Any form of retaliation in response to a report of such acts is prohibited.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is a pattern of aggressive, intentional or deliberately hostile behavior that occurs repeatedly and over time. Bullying behaviors normally fall into three categories, physical, emotional, and verbal; and may include, but are not limited to, intimidation, assault; extortion; oral or written threats; teasing; putdowns; name-calling; threatening looks; gestures, or actions; rumors; false accusations; hazing, social isolation, and cyber-bullying.

Preventative Measures

Student Instruction/Awareness

Bullying behaviors are unacceptable. Forming healthy friendships is a big part of elementary school. Bully issues is elementary schools most often stem from misunderstandings and "friendship struggles." We will talk about the importance of forming healthy friendships through our Monthly Character Themes Program which our teachers will embed in curriculum and discussions throughout the year.

With the support of staff and parents, students at Ocean Beach will do the following things to help prevent bullying:

  • Refuse to let others be bullied and speak up if they see bullying
  • Reach out to students that are being bullied and be a friend
  • Include all students that want to be involved in games, especially those that are often left out
  • REPORT BULLYING TO AN ADULT

2. Staff Awareness/Action

Our school staff will engage in on-going discussions to promote our character themes and to ensure a consistent approach to our discipline plan and anti-bully strategies are utilizedon a school-wide basis. Staff at will do the following to prevent bullying and help children feel safe at school:

  • Closely supervise children in all areas of the school and playground
  • Watch for signs of bullying and stop it when it happens:
    • Assess safety
    • Affirm student' s feelings
    • Ask questions
    • Act by coaching the student on what to do in the future.
    • Let the student know that you will be making a report to the teacher and/or principal.

3. Student/Parent Action

We encourage students and parents who become aware of an act of bullying to immediately report the incident(s) to your child' s teacher or principal. Any student who retaliates against another for reporting bullying will also be subject to consequences.

Complaint/Investigative Procedure
All students shall be informed of their right to protection against bullying behaviors and the right to file a complaint if they believe they have been the victim of bullying behavior. We are responsible for investigating each complaint, determining if the complaint is legitimate in accordance with the above definition of bullying and taking appropriate corrective action. Any student (be they the victim or the bystander) may initiate a complaint by completing a confidential reporting form and returning it to the principal. These forms will be available in each class and also in the office.

Intervention and Consequences:
Reports of bullying are taken seriously and shall be dealt with quickly. Consequences shall depend on both the results of the investigation and the severity of the incident. Consequences may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Mediation and problem solving
  • Loss of privileges
  • Parent conference
  • Counseling
  • Suspension
  • Expulsion
  • Referral to local law enforcement agency.
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