SDP Bullying Policy

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is characterized by the following three (3) criteria:

  1. It is aggressive behavior or intentional harm doing.
  2. It is carried out repeatedly over time.
  3. It occurs within an interpersonal relationship where there is an imbalance of power (e.g. one (1) person is physically larger, stronger, mentally quicker or socially more powerful).

Bullying, may be direct or indirect action, which may include (but is not limited to):

  • Physical: hitting, kicking, pushing, shoving, getting another person to hurt someone;
  • Verbal: racial slurs, name-calling, teasing, taunting, verbal or sexual harassment, gossiping, spreading rumor; or
  • Non-Verbal: threatening, obscene gestures, isolation, exclusion, stalking, cyber-bullying (bullying that occurs by use of electronic or communication devices through means of email, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, photo and video sharing, chat rooms, bash boards, websites, etc.).
  • THE DISTRICT PROHIBITS ALL FORMS OF BULLYING BY DISTRICT STUDENTS.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS BEING BULLIED?

Reporting Bullying Incidents:

Students or parents/guardians of students who have been bullied or witness bullying should immediately report such incidents to the school principal or designee, or to any other member of the school staff, including teachers, guidance counselors, coaches and administrators. Any staff member who receives such a report shall immediately notify the principal or designee. If the behavior continues or if the school does not take action, students or parents/guardians should report the incident to the district’s hotline at 215-400-SAFE.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN AN INCIDENT OF BULLYING IS REPORTED?

There will be a quick and thorough investigation of all reports. If the allegations are found true, the Principal or designee will do the following:

  1. Inform the student who bullies the results of the investigation;
  2. Review the definition of bullying and the District’s policy on bullying;
  3. Punish the behavior relative to the number of offenses and the severity of the behavior; and
  4. Notify the parents of the student(s) who bullies, including the actions of the student and the consequences.

WHAT HAPPENS TO STUDENTS WHO BULLY?

Consequences for Violations:

Students who violate the bullying policy will be subject to the following disciplinary procedures:

  • First Offense: Documented warning and parent notification;
  • Second Offense: Parent conference, loss of school privileges, exclusion from school-sponsored activities, detention, and/or counseling within the school;
  • Third Offense: Suspension or transfer to another classroom, school building, or school bus.

If the first offense is notably severe, a student may immediately be disciplined in accordance to the Code of Student Conduct. This could result in a long-term suspension (4-10 days); a referral for placement in an alternative education program; or expulsion.