Bullying

Bullying is prohibited and is defined as one or more actions of abusive treatment of another.

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Physical intimidation or assault
• Extortion
• Oral or written threats
• Teasing
• Putdowns
• Name calling
• Threatening looks
• Gestures or acts of aggression (Overt and Covert)
• Cruel rumors and/or false accusations
• Social Isolation

School staff will not tolerate any bullying on school grounds or at any school sponsored activity (on or off school grounds). In addition, HOPE Academy Advisory Board expects students and parents who become aware of an act of bullying to report it to the Principal. The Advisory Board expects staff members who become aware of an incidence of bullying to take appropriate steps to intervene, unless intervention would be a threat to the staff members’ safety. If a staff member believes that his/her intervention has not resolved the matter, or if the bullying persists, he/she shall report the bullying to the Principal for further investigation.

In cases of reported bullying, the Principal shall interview all students involved (i.e. the aggressor(s) and the victim(s)) and investigate, as appropriate. This investigation may include interviews with the students, parents, and school staff; review of school records; and identification of parent and family issues. Any student who retaliates against another for reporting bullying may be subject to appropriate consequences.

Consequences for students who bully others shall depend on the results of the investigation and may include:

• Counseling
• Parent conference
• Detention
• Suspension and/or Expulsion

Depending on the severity of the incident(s), the Principal may also report incidents of bullying to law enforcement.