What are LWSD policies about harassment, intimidation and bullying?
LWSD has a policy in place designed to help prevent and report harassment, intimidation and bullying of students. In Policy JFD, the district recognizes its responsibility to provide a safe and civil educational environment that is free from all types of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and intimidation. In Policy JFD-R, the district further defines harassment, intimidation and bullying, and provides procedures for reporting, investigating and resolving incidents promptly.
How do I report an incident of harassment, intimidation and/or bullying?
All incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying should be reported to school administration or any staff member. Any student who believes he or she has been the target of unresolved, severe or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying may report incidents orally or in writing to any staff member. Any other person in the school community who observes or receives notice that a student has or may have been the target of harassment, intimidation or bullying also may report incidents to any staff member.
The Incident Reporting Form JFD-E may be used by students, families or staff to report incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying.
What is LWSD doing about bullying and harassment?
Students receive different curricula regarding bullying and harassment depending upon their grade level.
- Students in grades kindergarten through two take part in “Kelso’s Choice,” a conflict management program specifically designed for children. The program philosophy is simple: each child is smart enough and strong enough to resolve conflict.
- Students in grades three through six participate in the “Steps to Respect” program from the Committee for Children. It aims to prevent bullying in the school.
- Students in middle school (grades six through eight) participate in the Olweus (pronounced Ol-VEY-us) Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP). This program’s goal is to reduce and prevent bullying problems among schoolchildren and to improve peer relations at school.
- Each high school has individualized programs within their schools to discourage bullying, including Link Crew, Natural Helpers, or other similar programs. Additionally, other resources are being reviewed to support harassment, intimidation and bullying prevention and intervention strategies.