W-SR Junior High School Student to Student Bullying / Harassment

Defining Harassment “Any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

l Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property. l Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health. l Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s academic performance. l Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by the school. Defining Harassment See Also: WSR Jr. High Student Handbook p. 8

Defining Harassment The Iowa Civil Rights Act covers the following protected areas: COLORRACEGENDER IDENTITY DISABILITYSEXCREEDRELIGION PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTESPOLITICAL PREFERENCE NATIONAL ORIGINMARITAL STATUS MENTAL ATTRIBUTESSOCIO-ECONOMIC STAT SEXUAL ORIENTATIONANCESTRY FAMILY STATUESAGE

Defining Harassment Hostile Environment “Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.” A Legal Memorandum: NASSP September 1997

Bullying is about power. Physical Intimidation Psychological Intimidation “Why do they do it?” Committee for Children L. Walls FEAR = Power to a bully!

Bullying / Harassment §Physical Attributes §Sexual Orientation §Gender Identity §Race or Ethnicity Waverly-Shell Rock Community Schools Board Policy 104

Bullying & Harassment “The wrong thing said …to the wrong person…at the wrong time …” If you don’t know. DON’T SAY IT!

“The Thin Line.”

§WelcomeUnwelcome §Feels Good Feels Bad §You feel specialYou feel humiliated §ReciprocalOne-way §Comfortable Uncomfortable §Makes you smileMakes you sad §Positive self-esteem Is demeaning §Healthy & fun“Sick” and hurtful The Thin Line.

§WelcomeUnwelcome §Feels Good Feels Bad §You feel specialYou feel humiliated §MutualOne-way §Comfortable Uncomfortable §Makes you smileMakes you sad §Positive self-esteem Is demeaning §Healthy & fun“Sick” and hurtful The Thin Line. X X X X X X X X “If you’re not sure. Don’t say it. Don’t do it.”

Board Policy 104 Waverly - Shell Rock Community Schools Retaliation

1. Tell the person to “Stop”. 2. Tell a friend & get help together. 3. Tell an adult. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. 4. Keep a journal of what has happened and where. Witnesses to these acts are always helpful. 5. Be “proactive” in a positive manner. If you are able to come forward; you may be helping someone else. “So what can I do?”

The Last Word…. Understand that “telling on or tattling” is done to get someone into trouble. REPORTING or asking for help is done to get someone out of trouble.