Texas Education Code (Section ) – Bullying Prevention Policies and Procedures This law contains updates for districts to consider regarding bullying and these factors:  Location  Definition  Transfer options  Discipline of students with disabilities.

 FFI Legal & Local  Reinforces a safe and respectful environment needed for students to learn and attain high academic standards.  Develops an atmosphere that encourages students to grow in self- discipline.  Demonstrates respect for self and others as well as for district and community property.  Promotes healthy human interactions and relationships.  Assists the District in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying.

Bullying Defined  Systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological / emotional distress on one or more students.  Unwanted purposeful gestures or written, verbal, graphic or physical actions meant to demean, intimidate, threaten, insult, abuse, or dehumanize.

The behavior… 1. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student (SPP). 2. Exploits an imbalance of power. 3. Interferes with a student's education or substantially disrupts the operation of a school.

Verbal  Hurtful name calling  Teasing  Gossiping  Making threats Nonverbal  Posturing  Gang signs  Leering  Stalking  Exhibiting inappropriate gestures/actions

Physical  Hitting  Punching  Pushing/ fighting  Destroying property Emotional  Rejecting  Intimidating  Humiliating  Isolating  Using peer pressure

Cyberbullying/Cyberstalking  Using technology/digital tools to harass  Sexting  Making false or hurtful comments on blogs or websites

 Location- engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, during school-related or sponsored events, using district computers or technology, or on a school-operated vehicle.

 Districts have the option of transferring the perpetrator or the victim of bullying.  Requires that discipline for bullying of a student with disabilities comply with applicable requirements under federal law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Reporting Process Employees will have access to the Student Discipline System (SDS) to report bullying incidences. Type in the EAD User Name and Password to log in.

 For free DVD on bullying go to the Teaching Tolerance website  Learning for Life videos for parents, staff, and students  The Humanity Project (video clips by students) music/ music/  Stop Bullying Now

Bullying Prevention Resource Guide: For Schools, Families, and Community Partners - Bridges4Kids Bridges4Kids – ( This site includes a comprehensive list of articles, resources, free publications, and websites about school climate and bullying, school violence & zero tolerance, character education, discipline and much more. Preventing Classroom Bullying: What Teachers Can Do by Jim Wright ( click on the “Downloads” link) Eight Skills to Stop Bullying ( Bullying Prevention: In Positive Behavior Support ( Practical anti-bullying strategies and activities for elementary students. Practical anti-bullying strategies and activities for middle school students. Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center Bullying Prevention- National Crime Prevention Council

 Highlights  Kick-off Assembly  Daily Announcements- Facts about Bullying  Anti-bullying Lessons  Parent workshop on bullying  Daily activities and themes  Districtwide Poster Contest  Essay contest (middle school only)  Original video clip contest (high school only) Original video clip contest (high school only) *Each school will receive anti-bullying wristbands and posters.