BULLYING

In accordance with ACT 861, “Bullying” is defined as pattern of any one or more of the following:

1.Gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures and making faces,

2.Written, electronic, or verbal communications, including but not limited to calling names, threatening harm, taunting, malicious teasing, or spreading untrue rumors. Electronic communication includes but is not limited to a communication or image transmitted by email, instant message, text message, blog, or social networking website through the use of a telephone, mobile phone, pager, computer, or other electronic device,

3.Physical acts, including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, choking, damaging personal property, or unauthorized use of personal property,

4.Repeatedly and purposefully shunning or excluding from activities,

Where the pattern of behavior . . .

1.Is exhibited toward a student, more than once, by another student or group of students and occurs, or is received by, a student while on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related function or activity, in any school bus or van, at any designated school bus stop, in any other school or private vehicle used to transport students to and from schools, or any school-sponsored activity or event,

2.Has the effect of physically harming a student, placing the student in reasonable fear of physical harm, damaging a student’s property, placing the student in reasonable fear of damage to the student’s property, or must be sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough to either create an intimidating or threatening educational environment, have the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s performance in school, or have the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

 

REPORTING INCIDENTS

1.Any student, who believes that he/she has been, or is currently, the victim of bullying, or any student, or any parent or guardian who witnesses bullying or has good reason to believe bullying is taking place, may report the situation to a school official. A student, parent, or guardian may also report concerns regarding bullying to a teacher, counselor, other school employee, or to any parent chaperoning or supervising a school function or activity. Any report of bullying shall remain confidential.

2.Any teacher, counselor, bus driver, or other school employee, whether full or part time, and any parent chaperoning or supervising a school function or activity who witnesses bullying or who learns of bullying from a student shall report the incident to a school official. A verbal report shall be submitted by the employee or the parent on the same day as the employee or parent witnessed or otherwise learned of the bullying incident, and a written report shall be filed no later than two days thereafter.

3.[In the case of] Retaliation against any person who reports bullying in good faith, who is thought to have reported bullying, who files a complaint, or who otherwise learned of the bullying incident, a written report must be filed no later than two days thereafter [with whom?].

4.Making false reports about bullying to school officials is prohibited conduct and will result in disciplinary action.

 

Raintree Elementary School is a Bully-Free Zone. Enforcement of the Bullying policy is essential to safeguard the care, well-being, and security of all students and staff at Raintree.

 

If, after a thorough investigation, the school determines that an act of bullying has occurred, inclusive of a meeting with the parent or legal guardian of the students involved, the school official shall:

1.Take prompt and appropriate disciplinary action, pursuant to R.S. 17:416 and 416.1, againstthe student that the school official determines has engaged in conduct which constitutes bullying, if appropriate.

2.Report criminal conduct to law enforcement, if appropriate.3.Disciplinary action will be in accordance with the St. Mary Parish School Board’s CODE OF CONDUCT.