Bullying is defined in state law as a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that:

• Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property
• Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student
• Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school
• Infringes on the rights of the victim at school

Bullying includes cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is defined in state law as bullying that is done using any electronic communication device, including:

• A cellular or other type of telephone
• A computer
• A camera
• Electronic mail
• Instant messaging
• Text messaging
• A social media application
• An internet website
• Any other internet-based communication tool

• Hazing
• Threats
• Taunting
• Teasing
• Confinement
• Assault
• Demands for money
• Destruction of property
• Theft of valued possessions
• Name-calling
• Rumor-spreading
• Ostracism

If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying or witnesses the bullying of another student, the student or parent should notify a teacher, school counselor, principal, or another district employee as soon as possible. Any district employee aware of a report of a bullying incident will relay the report to an appropriate administrator.

A student may anonymously report an alleged incident of bullying by filling out the online Bullying Report Form located above.

The administration will investigate any allegations of bullying and related misconduct. The district will also provide notice to the parent of the alleged victim and the parent of the student alleged to have engaged in bullying.

If an investigation determines that bullying occurred, the administration will take appropriate disciplinary action and may, in certain circumstances, notify law enforcement. Disciplinary or other action may be taken even if the conduct did not rise to the level of bullying.