Tonasket School District Harassment, Bullying, and Intimidation Information
Tonasket School District strives to provide students with optimal conditions for learning by maintaining a school environment where everyone is treated with respect and no one is physically or emotionally harmed.
In order to ensure respect and prevent harm, it is a violation of
district policy for a student to be harassed, intimidated, or bullied by others in the school community, at
school sponsored events, or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process. The school community includes all students, school employees, school board members, contractors, unpaid volunteers, families, patrons, and other visitors. Student(s) will not be harassed because of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics.
Any school staff who observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses harassment, intimidation or bullying or to whom such actions have been reported must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the harassment and to prevent its reoccurrence.
Definition of Harassment, Bullying and Intimidation
Harassment, intimidation or bullying is an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act that:
- Physically harms a student or damages the student's property;
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with a studentís education;
- Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or ,
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
- Conduct that is “substantially interfering with a student's education” will be determined by considering a targeted student's grades, attendance, demeanor, interaction with peers, participation in activities, and other indicators.
Procedures for Reporting
The incident reporting form serves as the communication tool between a witness or victim of harrassment, bullying or intimidation and the school district. The form may be filed anonymously, confidentially, or the complainant may choose to disclose his or her identity (non-confidential). Because due process is required on all disciplinary actions taken on a student, only non-confidential reports can lead to student discipline. However, anonymous and confidential reports do not go ignored. Enhanced and/or increased monitoring of areas of the school and students is one of many ways we address these reports.
The school district will fully implement the anti-retalliation provision of this policy for those who report as non-confidential reporters.
Step 2: The School District Receives the Form
The incident reporting form may be turned in to any school staff member or school administrator. A school teacher or administrator will attempt to resolve the matter immediately. If the incident is resolved to the satisfaction of the parties involved, or if the incident does not meet the definition of harassment, intimidation or bullying, no further action may be necessary under this procedure.
All reports of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying will be recorded on a district Incident Reporting Form (if not already) and submitted to the principal or designee, unless the principal or designee is the subject of the complaint.
Step 3: Investigation
Unresolved, persistent, or severe harassment, intimidation, or bullying will investigated with reasonable promptness. During the course of the investigation, the district will take reasonable measures to ensure that no further incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying occur between the complainant and the alleged aggressor. If necessary, the district will implement a safety plan for the student(s) involved. The plan may include changing seating arrangements for the complainant and/or the alleged aggressor in the classroom, at lunch, or on the bus; identifying a staff member who will act as a safe person for the complainant; altering the alleged aggressor's schedule and access to the complainant, and other measures.
The investigation will include, at a minimum:
- An interview with the complainant;
- An interview with the alleged aggressor;
- A review of any previous complaints involving either the complainant or the alleged aggressor; and
- Interviews with other students or staff members who may have knowledge of the alleged incident.
Step 4, 5, 6 and 7: Corrective Measures, Appeals, and Discipline
After completion of the investigation, the school or district designee will institute any corrective measures necessary. If the complainant or parent/guardian is dissatisfied with the results of the investigation, they may appeal to the superintendent or his or her designee by filing a written notice of appeal within five (5) school days of receiving the written decision. Disciplinary actions taken on an aggressor will not be disclosed to a victim or his or her family. The district will take prompt and equitable corrective measures within its authority on findings of harassment, intimidation or bullying. Depending on the severity of the conduct, corrective measures may include counseling, education, discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement.
Other Information:
- A complainant who falsely accuses someone will be subject to disciplinary action.
- You have the right to report harassment, intimidation, and bullying verbally to any teacher or administrator.
Contact Information:
District HIB Compliance Officer
Kevin Terris
509-486-2161