Anthony Wayne

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Bullying

Defining, Identifying, Addressing and Preventing Hurtful and Harmful Behaviors

Anthony Wayne Local Schools works hard to provide a safe and positive school environment and takes all reports of hurtful and harmful behavior seriously. In any school environment, disagreements happen, conflicts arise and some students use bullying or harassment as a form of intimidation.

The Anthony Wayne Board of Education recognizes that any actions that hurt another person physically or make them feel badly emotionally are wrong, and does not tolerate any actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. Board policy 5517.01: Bullying and other Forms of Aggressive Behavior addresses these types of situations.

Preventing Problem Behaviors

Anthony Wayne Local Schools strives to maintain a positive climate and culture in its buildings with the following initiatives:

Portrait of a General: The Anthony Wayne community’s aspirations for the personal traits each student should embody upon high school graduation, including those that support positive interactions such as empathy, communication and collaboration, and adaptability and flexibility.

Learn more about our Portrait of a General.

Student Code of Conduct & General Expectations

Our goal is to teach children they are responsible for their actions and they must be prepared to face the natural and logical consequences of any inappropriate behavior. Faculty and staff spend a great deal of time monitoring, modeling and teaching good behavior. Students are expected to behave appropriately and show respect toward themselves and others. They are encouraged to follow the General Expectations: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, Be Involved. More information about student conduct expectations is available in each building's student handbook.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

The PBIS frameworks in place districtwide are designed to serve as the foundation for promoting a learning environment that supports the academic, social and behavioral outcomes for all students. The tiered PBIS framework is designed to provide additional supports to students who need more intensive interventions.

View the Board policy regarding Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports and Limited Use of Restraint and Seclusion.

Classroom Lessons, Activities and Assemblies

Throughout the school year, our staff provides opportunities for students to learn how to build positive relationships, manage their emotions and behavior, and respond appropriately to the negative actions of others. These can take the form of classroom lessons, team building activities and guest speakers. The District also participates in Start With Hello Week and other national bullying and violence prevention initiatives.

Defining Problem Behaviors

When a child is unkind to another child, “bullying” is the term that may immediately come to mind, but actions can vary in severity, so it is important to know the difference, so the situation can be de-escalated and addressed quickly and appropriately.

What is bullying?

Bullying is when someone aggressively uses their power to target another individual with repeated, unwanted words or actions.

Bullying is done with intent to hurt, harm or humiliate. With bullying there is often a power imbalance between those involved: which could be a difference in social status, physical size or other perception of superiority. This can be between individuals, or groups of children targeting another group or individual.

Students who bully others often perceive their targets as vulnerable in some way and often find satisfaction in harming them. Those targeted are hurt either physically or emotionally and have a hard time stopping what is happening to them.

What is harassment?

Harassment and bullying are often used interchangeably when talking about hurtful or harmful behavior. They are similar, but an importance difference is that harassment is behavior that meets the definition of bullying, and is also targeted at an individual of a protected class which includes race, color, religion, sex, age, disability and national origin.

What is conflict?

Conflict is a disagreement or argument in which both sides express their views. When two individuals or groups are not getting along and unkind things are being said or done, it can be classified as conflict.

Identifying Problem Behaviors

Whether conflict, bullying or harassment, all reported and witnessed situations are investigated and addressed. This may happen immediately at the classroom level with teacher intervention, or escalated to include school counselors and/or administrators. School resource officers or local law enforcement may also be involved, depending on the severity of the situation.

The individuals involved and any witnesses to the behavior are interviewed by an adult to gain clarity of the situation. After speaking with all involved parties, communication with the parent/guardian is typically initiated.

Investigating Problem Behaviors

If a parent/guardian believes a situation fits the definition of bullying/harassment, they may request a bullying or harassment investigation. The students involved will be interviewed and the details of the situation, including names, will be shared with all involved. Due process is followed throughout the investigation.

At the completion of the investigation, letters are sent via mail to the parents/guardians of the students directly involved. This letter includes the claim that was made, the identified involved parties, the process for the investigation and its findings.

If the situation is determined to be bullying, a determination for an appropriate response will be made on a case-by-case basis, and it will be reported to the Board of Education and posted on the District’s website at the end of each semester, as required.

Contact

Contact your building principal or school counselor with concerns about your child's interactions at school.

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