CalendarWhat is bullying?
Bullying is defined as follows in the Seattle Public Schools Board Policy:
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying is an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act that:
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Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
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.
An important distinction is that bullying is an intentional act and may involve a documented pattern of behavior exhibited by a student toward a “target.” When a child exhibits physical aggression, this does not necessarily mean s/he is bullying. Adults and children need instruction to understand this difference.
How does the staff at Lawton handle bullying?
In March 2010 the staff at Lawton participated in training on anti-bullying with Celia Arriaga, a Prevention and Intervention Specialist with Seattle Public Schools. We developed a protocol for addressing bullying if we saw any indication this is happening in our school:
- Step 1: Staff member contacts the principal, and an investigation is done. School-based interventions include; meeting with the students involved, contacting parents, and administering school-based consequences. The student is given details about what bullying is and the protocol that will be followed. Students and staff are instructed to contact the principal if there are any more problems.
- Step 2: Repeated behavior will result in contacting parents, and scheduling a parent conference to review what has been happening and the possible consequences, including removal from the classroom. At this point, the parents are informed about the definition of bullying and how their child’s behavior shows signs of bullying, along with the Seattle Public School Board Policy on bullying and harassment, and next steps that will take place if the behavior continues.
- Step 3: Any further behavior will result in significant disciplinary action, including possible suspension from school, and could include a formal complaint lodged by a family of the target.
What is our Plan for the Future?
The staff and BLT of Lawton are also in the process of revising the School Plan. In that revision there will be the inclusion of Bullying Prevention strategies, instruction in the classrooms, and further training for the staff and parents so that we can all be part of working with our children to ensure they behave appropriately and that we have processes in place should we ever have serious issues that arise at our school. As we move forward with this training, we will keep families informed and include training for parents as part of this plan.
