ANTI-BULLYING POLICY/HARASSMENT POLICY: (K-8)
West Village Academy’s board of education prohibits acts of harassment or bullying. The board of education has determined that a safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe environment.
Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment or bullying is expected of administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers to provide positive examples for student behavior.
“Harassment or bullying” is any gesture or written, verbal, graphic, or physical act (including electronically transmitted acts – i.e. internet, cell phone, Kindle, personal digital assistant (PDA), MP3 player, iPad, iPod, or any other wireless hand held device) that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression; or a mental, physical, or sensory disability or impairment; or by any other distinguishing characteristic. Such behavior is considered harassment or bullying whether it takes place on or off school property, at any school-sponsored function, or in a school vehicle.
“Harassment” is conduct that meets all of the following criteria:
- is directed at one or more pupils;
- substantially interferes with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one or more pupils;
- adversely affects the ability of a pupil to participate in or benefit from the school district’s educational programs or activities because the conduct, as reasonably perceived by the pupil, is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive as to have this effect; and,
- is based on a pupil’s actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic (see above), or is based on an association with another person who has or is perceived to have any of these characteristics.
“At school” means in a classroom, elsewhere on school premises, on a school bus or other school- related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises. “At school” includes conduct using a telecommunications access device or telecommunications service provider that occurs off school premises if the telecommunications access device or the telecommunications service provider is owned by or under the control of the school.
Procedure Steps:
- (reporting)Any school employee who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student has been subject to any act of bullying or harassing behaviors hall report the incident to the principal or designee. A student, volunteer, or visitor who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student has been subject to any act of bullying or harassing behavior are encouraged to report the incident to a teacher, other staff member or the principal. Reporting may be done anonymously via the bullying hotline (contact school office for phone number)
- (responding to allegation)A report of bullying or harassing behavior should be done in written form, providing as much information as possible.
- (investigation)Any staff member who receives a report of bullying or harassing behavior shall Immediately forward the report to the principal or designee who will ensure that a prompt investigation is completed. The investigation is to be complete within three (3)school days after a report or complaint is made.
- (corrective measures and consequences)Within two (2)school days of receiving a report of a prohibited act of bullying, the principal or his/her designee shall notify the parent of the alleged victim of bullying and the parent of the alleged perpetrator of bullying. Upon completion of the investigation report, the principal or his/her designee shall notify the parent of both the victim and perpetrator of the result of the investigation. If there is evidence to support the act of bullying, the perpetrator will receive an immediate Level 5.
- (support for the targeted student) Any student found to have been subject to harassment, intimidation or bullying will have appropriate WVA support services. Any student who is found to have falsely accused another of bullying or harassment is subject to remedial action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Bullying or harassing behavior is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will result in disciplinary action pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct.
- (retaliation)There will be no reprisal al or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying or harassment. Such reprisal al or retaliation by a student is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will result in disciplinary action pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct.
The Board of Directors endeavors to ensure that the school is a safe place for teaching, learning, and working. The school will take swift and appropriate disciplinary action for the following infractions:
Weapons, Arson, and Criminal Sexual Assault
Any student who possesses a dangerous weapon, commits arson, or commits a criminal sexual assault against another person while on school property or at a school-sponsored event shall be permanently expelled from the school subject to reinstatement according to state law. Furthermore, the school will contact local law enforcement as required by law. All students are subject to the Student Code of Conduct that follows this section and its related disciplinary actions.
Physical Assaults Against School Personnel
Any student in grade six (6)or above who commits a physical assault against a school employee or a person engaged as a volunteer or contractor for the school while on school property, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event shall be permanently expelled from the school subject to reinstatement according to state law. “Physical assault” is defined as intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another through force or violence. All students, including those in grades five(5) and under, are subject to the Student Code of Conduct and its related disciplinary actions.
Physical Assaults Against Students
Any student in grade six (6) or above who commits a physical assault against another student while on school property, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event shall be suspended or expelled, depending on the circumstances, for up to one hundred eighty(180)school days. “Physical assault” is defined as intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another through force or violence. All students, including those in grades five (5)and under, are subject to the Student Code of Conduct and its related disciplinary actions.
Verbal and Written Assaults
Any student in grade six (6)or above who commits a verbal assault against a school employee or a person engaged as a volunteer or contractor for the school while on school property, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event shall be suspended or expelled, depending on the circumstances, for up to one hundred eighty (180)school days. “Verbal assault” is defined as an intentional display of force or communication that gives the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm. A bomb threat (or similar threat) directed at a school building, other school property, or a school-related event is also viewed as verbal assault. For the purpose of this policy, the areas of assault listed above, when placed in writing, recorded on tape or CD, or transmitted by-mail, shall be viewed as written assault. All students, including those in grades five (5)and under, are subject to the Student Code of Conduct and its related disciplinary actions.
Illegal Drug Possession
Any student who possess illegal drugs while on school property, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event may be suspended or expelled, depending on the circumstances, for up to one hundred eighty (180)school days. All students are subject to the Student Code of Conduct and its related disciplinary actions.
Gross Misdemeanor and Persistent Disobedience
Students guilty of a gross misdemeanor or persistent disobedience may be suspended or expelled.
Application to Students with Disabilities, Child Find, or Student Due Process Rights
This policy shall be applied in a manner consistent with the rights secured under federal (IDEA 2004) and state law to students who are determined to be eligible for special education programs and services. A copy of the Procedural Safeguards for Special Education Students can be obtained from the school office.
When considering disciplinary action for students who are not eligible for special education, the leadership team at the school will give serious consideration to the length of each suspension and the potential educational loss that the suspended student will incur. Repeated suspensions may result in a denial of F. A.P.E. (Free Appropriate Public Education). The school views any series of suspensions as an indicator of potential disability under the Federal Child Find guidelines and may consider using the school’s Instructional Support Team (IST)to address the potential disability needs of the child.
