Bullying (All Grade Levels)

The district strives to prevent bullying in accordance with district policy by promoting a respectful school climate, encouraging the reporting of bullying incidents (including anonymous reporting), and investigating and addressing all reported incidents.

Definition of Bullying

Under Texas law, bullying is defined 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 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 or damage to the student’s property;
• Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment;
• Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or
• Infringes on the rights of the victim at school.

Cyberbullying

Bullying includes cyberbullying, which is bullying conducted through electronic communication devices, including but not limited to:

• Cellular or other telephones
• Computers
• Cameras
• Email
• Instant messaging
• Text messaging
• Social media applications
• Internet websites
• Any other internet-based communication tools

Examples of Bullying

Bullying is prohibited by the district and may include:

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

Reporting Bullying

If a student believes they have experienced bullying or witnesses bullying involving another student, the student or parent should notify a teacher, school counselor, principal, or another district employee as soon as possible.

Procedures for reporting allegations of bullying may also be found on the district website.

Anonymous Reporting Options

Students may anonymously report alleged bullying incidents through the following methods:

SafeSchools App in the Student portal:

Safe Schools Tip Link

Phone:
1-855-4ALERT1, ext. 1040

Text:
Text #1040 @tip + your tip to 253781

Email:
1040@alert1.us

Web:
http://1040.alert1.us

Investigation and Response

The administration will investigate all allegations of bullying and related misconduct. The district will provide notice to:

• The parent/guardian of the alleged victim; and
• The parent/guardian 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 notify law enforcement when necessary. Disciplinary action may be taken even if the conduct does not rise to the legal definition of bullying.

Available counseling services and support options will be provided to affected individuals, including students who witnessed the bullying.

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any student who reports bullying or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

Student Transfers

Upon recommendation of the administration, the Board may transfer a student found to have engaged in bullying to another classroom or campus within the district.

The parent/guardian of a student determined to be a victim of bullying may also request a transfer to another classroom or campus within the district.

For additional information, please see the Safety Transfers/Assignments section of the Student Handbook.

Additional Information

A copy of the district’s bullying policy is available:

• In the principal’s office
• In the superintendent’s office
• On the district website
• In the appendix of the Student Handbook

A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation may appeal through Board Policy FNG(LOCAL).