We look to create a secure school climate that fosters a positive learning environment and is free from threat, harassment, and any type of bullying behavior.

Bullying is prohibited on district property, at district or school-sanctioned activities and events, when students are being transported in any vehicle dispatched by the district or one of its schools, or off school property when such conduct has a nexus to school or any district curricular or non-curricular activity or event.

What is Bullying?

Bullying refers to any written or verbal expression or physical or electronic act or gesture, or a pattern thereof, that is intended to coerce, intimidate, or casue any physical, mental, or emotional harm to any student.

An incident is considered bullying if:

  1. the behavior is intentional,
  2. the behavior is repeated or likely to be repeated, and
  3. there is an imbalance of power between the target and the perpetrator of bullying.

What is Not Bullying?

The following list synthesizes insights and guidelines from multiple authoritative sources (including educational departments, advocacy groups, and psychological experts) to distinguish between bad behavior and bullying:

Single Incidents: One-off arguments, name-calling, or physical conflicts do not constitute bullying. While these are still poor behaviors, bullying requires repetition or a high likelihood of repetition over time (Anti-Defamation League).

Mutual Conflict: If two people or groups of relatively equal power are having a disagreement, argument, or fight, it is considered conflict rather than bullying (Vic Gov).

Disliking Someone: Simply not getting along or communicating a dislike for someone is not bullying, provided it doesn't cross into deliberate harassment (The Psych Professionals).

Normal Exclusion: Occasional exclusion or not inviting someone to an event is typically normal social behavior rather than deliberate bullying. (*STARS Nashville).

Accidents: Unintentionally bumping into, tripping, or injuring someone is not bullying (The Psych Professionals).

What Qualifies as Bullying Behavior?

Please see the chart below for bullying and awareness guidelines adapted from:

Jennifer Astles, DASA Newsletter, January 2014, TST BOCES modified by The School District of Lee County Student Services

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact your school principals or counselors.

Bullying and Harrassment Information

Bullying vs. Harassment

Harassment based on a protected class—a person’s disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services, is a form of discrimination prohibited by state and federal law. Harassing conduct may take many forms that are similar to bullying, including verbal abuse, graphic or written statements, threats, physical assault, or other conduct that is threatening or humiliating, but harassment occurs when the negative behavior is based on a student’s status or membership in a protected class. Bullying behavior becomes harassment when the negative behavior is based on a target’s status or membership in a protected class and is so severe and pervasive that it impacts a student’s ability to participate in the educational environment.

Students experiencing harassment have additional protections at the federal level and federally-funded schools are required to follow specific procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving complaints of harassment—including a separate process for sexual harassment complaints under Title IX.

Bullying Prevention

We follow the philosophy of the Colorado Department of Education's (CDE) mission on the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports / PBIS (link opens to a new window). PBIS looks to establish and maintain effective school environments that maximize academic achievement and behavioral competence of all learners in Colorado. It is a prevention-based framework for organizing evidence-based behavioral supports into an integrated continuum that enhances academic and social outcomes for all students.

How to Report Bullying or Harassment

To report instances of bullying or harassment, use the Bullying Report Form (link opens to a new window). Though reports can be anonymous, reporting anonymously creates significant barriers for school officials to properly investigate and resolve bullying situations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • If bullying occurs, what should my student do? Immediately report instances of bullying or harassment to a trusted school staff member or administrator.
  • What happens when there is a report of bullying? Staff members immediately investigate reports, obtaining multiple perspectives.
  • What happens to someone who bullies? Any type of bullying in our schools is unacceptable. The actions of the individual are evaluated in line with school policy, the Student Code of Conduct (link opens to a new window), and the Discipline Matrix. Due to student privacy laws, disciplinary action(s) cannot be shared.