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Bullying

CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT STRIVES TO BE BULLY FREE!

 
CUSD schools proactively construct and maintain a social atmosphere which addresses all forms of bullying through:  
 
  • Creating a positive school culture via a school-wide implementation of Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS).
  • A beginning-of-the-year school-wide assembly which defines bullying and its consequences.
  • Ongoing, school-wide student and staff educational opportunities
 

DEFINITION OF BULLYING– BOARD POLICY 5141(D)

Bullying shall mean unwelcome, pervasive, and/or severe verbal, written, or physical conduct, though any means (including social media, texting, etc.) which is directed at a student or staff member by a student or staff member that has the effect of any or all of the following:
 
  • Creating an intimidating and/or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities, or the ability of a staff member to perform his or her duties;
  • Damaging, extorting, or taking a student or a staff member’s personal property;
  • Placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of physical, emotional, or mental harm;
  • Placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of damage to, or loss of, personal property.
 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE BEING BULLIED

  • Talk to your parents or other trusted adults.  They can help stop the bullying.
  • Talk to your teacher, school counselor, or principal. Telling is not tattling.
  • Don’t fight back. Don’t try to bully those who bully you.
  • Try not to show anger or fear.  Students who bully like to see that they can upset you. Calmly tell the student to stop…or say nothing and then walk away.
  • Limit the interaction.
  • Limit your message to five (5) words or less.  Example: “Leave me alone.”
  • “Three Strikes you’re out” rule. Repeat your five (5) words or less three times then walk away.
  • Try and avoid situations in which bullying is likely to happen.
 

HOW TO REPORT BULLYING?

Students can report any incidents of bullying or harassment which may include:
 
  • Text-A-Tip (Number is posted on school web-site)
  • Incident Report Form in the office
  • Online Bully Form or “Bully Box”
  • Speak to or email a staff member
  • Referral from staff member or bystander who witnessed event
Assistant Principal and/or Counselor will investigate the incident.
 
  • Ensure all parties are familiar with Board Policy 5141(d) as it relates to bullying
  • Follow up with concerned party and discuss results of investigation
 

CONSEQUENCES FOR BULLYING MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Situation logged in discipline file
  • Bullying complaint report completed
  • Situation logged in Bully Log filed both at school and at the District office
  • Counseling
  • Conflict Mediation
  • Detention, Suspension, Involuntary Transfer, Expulsion
  • Behavior Contract
  • Notify School Resource Officer