Bullying Prevention FAQ
What is bullying?
Bullying includes cyber-bullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:
- Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;
- Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;
- Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or
- Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
What is cyber-bullying?
Cyber-bullying means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication.
Who can I contact to report a bullying incident?
A report may be made in any of the following methods:
- Orally - to a teacher, administrator, district complaint manager, staff member (This person will fill out the bullying incident report.)
- Written - fill out a paper copy of the bullying incident report form
- Online - fill out an electronic copy of the bullying incident report form
The bullying incident report form will then be distributed to the designated building principal to start the investigation process. Anonymous reports are accepted as well.
Complaint Managers:
Kathy Lafary Sara Ryner
1514 US Hwy 34 215 West South Street
Biggsville, IL 61418 Stronghurst, IL 61480
(309) 627-2339 (309) 924-1681
lafary-kathy@wc235.k12.il.us ryner-sara@wc235.k12.il.us
How does a bullying investigation work?
When the principal receives a bullying report (via one of the methods above), the parents/guardians of students involved will be notified. The principal will work to make all reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within 10 school days after the date the report of the incident of bullying was received. The principal will have the final decision on the investigation unless an appeal is made (see below).
What is the “chain of command” for who will handle the bullying investigation or an appeal to the investigation?
●Report (online/paper copy)
●Principal
●Complaint manager
●Superintendent
●School Board
What sort of interventions can be taken to address bullying?
The school district shall use interventions to address bullying, which may include, but are not limited to, school social work services, restorative measures, social-emotional skill building, counseling, school psychological services, and community-based services.
What are restorative measures?
Restorative measures means a continuum of school-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions.
What if the bullying continues?
Retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying is prohibited. If a student retaliates, it will be treated as bullying. If bullying continues to occur after a report has been made, another report should be made using the same process as above.
What are the consequences for persons falsely accused?
A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the District’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, knowingly making a false accusation or providing knowingly false information will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.
Who is involved in the bullying prevention plan?
The District’s bullying prevention and response plan is composed of administrators, teachers, other staff members, board members, and parents/guardians.
Where can I find more information about the bullying prevention plan?
The District’s bullying prevention plan can be found on the district website. Information about bullying prevention is also included in the student handbook.
How will the policy be checked for effectiveness?
The District’s bullying prevention plan will be evaluated and assessed for effectiveness.
The process shall include:
- The frequency of victimization;
- Student, staff, and family observations of safety at a school;
- Identification of areas of a school where bullying occurs;
- The types of bullying utilized; and
- Bystander intervention or participation.
