The Shikellamy Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for district students. Therefore, the Board and Administration prohibit bullying by all district students as this detracts from an environment that is safe and necessary for student learning.
Bullying is any intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occur in the school setting, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at designated bus stops, or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:
1. Substantial interference with a student’s education.
2. Creation of a threatening environment.
3. Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.
Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyber-bullying.
Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of others. Students who have been bullied should promptly report such incidents to the building principal or designee.
A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct and as defined in Shikellamy School District Policy # 249 Bullying/Cyberbullying.
Reporting Procedures and Forms
The purpose of this section of the Bullying Prevention and Intervention website is to help students, parents and staff understands the specifics of the Shikellamy School District reporting procedures and forms.
WHAT WILL THE SCHOOLS BE CONSIDERING IN DECIDING IF A REPORT IS ACTUALLY A BULLYING INCIDENT?
Every incident will be evaluated on a case by case basis and treated seriously. It’s important to remember that not every situation is, in fact, bullying. Sometimes misunderstandings and miscommunications will result in one party feeling that they were a target of bullying. The principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor, or other staff person reviewing the initial Bullying Incident report will determine if the incident warrants further investigation.
HOW DO I FILE A REPORT OF A BULLYING INCIDENT?
· You/your parents can contact a school by phone and report it to school personnel
· You/your parents can make a report in person at the school or house office
· You/your parents can complete theBullying Incident Reporting Formthat is available in the high school’s Guidance Office
CAN A REPORT BE FILED ANONYMOUSLY?
Yes. Each school has a box for anonymous reporting located in the main office and Guidance Office of the school. However, keep in mind that while you do not have to give your name or email address when reporting, if you don’t, we will not have a way to contact you to help or to fully investigate the incident. You should also be aware that false accusations, filling out a report to “get back at someone” or just because you don’t like them will not be tolerated and could result in disciplinary action.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN INCIDENT IS REPORTED?
1. The designated administrator (principal, assistant principal) will acknowledge receipt of the report in writing.
2. A preliminary review of the incident may be conducted to determine need for the investigation.
3. If warranted, an investigation will be conducted and completed within 10 days
4. Parents of both the target and aggressor will be notified of the outcome and action plan in the event of a repeat behavior.
5. The school will take appropriate action to prevent repeated bullying.
WILL I BE TOLD THE DISCIPLINARY OR OTHER ACTION TAKEN AFTER THE INVESTIGATION?
Confidentiality laws prohibit educators from telling a student or parent specifics about any action taken against another student. But this doesn’t mean we are not working on it. No report will be ignored.