BULLYING PLAN

District plan for bully intervention: USD487 has developed a district bullying plan consisting of three components: Administrative, Counseling, and Educational.  All interventions listed are preK-12 unless indicated otherwise. 

USD487 District Plan:

Administrative:

  1. Girls and Boys town discipline model.

  2. Sequence of consequences relating to the outcomes of bullying as established in the student handbook.

Counseling:

  1. Girls and boys town social skills model

  2. Individualized Counseling

  3. Small counseling groups focusing on bullying behaviors, victims of bullying and /or bystanders

  4. Classroom guidance (PreK-8)

Educational: 

  1. Rachel's Challenge school wide program promoting acts of kindness (grades 6-12)

  2. Life skills instruction on building positive relationships (friendships, Dating, etc. (6-12_ 

  3. Identifying Positive behaviors and encouraging students.

  4. Character Education

  5. Motivational speakers regarding encouraging a positive school environment and healthy relationships.

  6. Providing educational resources for faculty awareness (inservice, materials, websites, etc.)

Areas where bullying incidents commonly occur

  1. Busing

  2. Restrooms

  3. Cafeteria (lunchtime)

  4. Classroom

  5. Parking Lot

  6. Playground

Support:

Programs designed to prevent bullying behavior redirect students from continuing to bully and to support both victims of bullies and bullies themselves should be explored.  These programs take many forms and include classroom activities and instruction. 

Where it is determined that students participated in bullying behavior in violation of the policy,  the school districts staff responsible for maintaining order and discipline may take officials for possible legal actions. 

Employees found to have participated in bullying behavior, or having become aware that bullying was taking place and failed to report the behavior, are considered to be in violation of the prohibition expressed by the policy.  They may be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the collective bargaining agreement or disciplinary action established by policy or practice. 

Conclusion:

Students in Herington schools are depending on the adults in their lives to ensure a safe, supportive learning environment in which they can thrive and reach their full potential. The information provided in this document is designed to assist administrators, counselors, teachers, parents and students in recognizing and implementing effective bullying policies that meet the local need.

Policy needs to be communicated regularly to students, parents, teachers and others.  Rules against bullying need to be enforced consistently.

Parents need to be educated about bullying, and they need to be involved in prevention efforts.  The school climate must discourage bullying behaviors.