Bullying Prevention

Bullying Prevention Official

Name of official: Shekinah Dillon, Coordinator
Telephone: 952-431-8379
Email: Shekinah.Dillon@district196.org

In accordance with the Safe and Supportive Minnesota Schools Act, we affirm that students have the right to be safe and free from threatening situations while on school property, at school activities and in district vehicles. Bullying interferes with students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to educate. It is our intent to prevent bullying from occurring, and to investigate and respond to any instance of bully that has not been prevented.

District 196 is committed to educating all students by providing a wide array of opportunities to be successful. In our schools, that begins with a safe and welcoming environment in which to learn.

Bullying behavior is not acceptable. If you are subjected to bullying or see it happening, report the incident to a staff member right away. The designated person to receive bullying reports and ensure the policy is enforced is listed below.

For more information about reporting and responding to bullying and a comprehensive definition of bullying, view our policies: 503.8AR, Bullying Prohibition or District Procedure 503.8P, Report of Bullying Behavior.

Bullying Stops Here

A parents' guide to recognizing and responding to bullying

We believe that teachers and students perform their best when a culture of respect is established.

In District 196, all schools establish strategies for creating a positive school climate and use evidence-based social-emotional learning to prevent and reduce discrimination and other improper conduct. Staff model, teach and reinforce expected behaviors using research-based, developmentally appropriate best practices that include preventable and remedial measures and effective discipline to deter bullying throughout the school.

Everyone has the right to a safe and inclusive learning environment

All schools in District 196 implement a schoolwide bullying prevention program as part of a program of positive behavior support. These programs foster active student, parent and community participation.

What is bullying?

District 196 Policy 503.8AR defines bullying as:

Intimidating, threatening, abusive or harming conduct that is objectively offensive and:
- There is an actual or perceived imbalance of power between the student engaging in the conduct and the target of the conduct, and the conduct repeats or forms a pattern, or
- Materially and substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services or privileges.

Scope of student bullying:

Bullying can occur as physical, verbal or cyber bullying. District policy applies when there is bullying by a student against another student enrolled in District 196 and occurs:

On school premises, at school functions or activities, or on school transportation;
By use of electronic device and communications on school premises, during the school functions or activities, on school transportation, or on school computers, networks, forums, and mailing lists, or
By use of electronic device and communications off school premises to the extent such use substantially and materially disrupts student learning or the school environment.

Talk with your child. Help them understand what defines bullying and emphasize that negative behavior is not appropriate.
Teach empathy, respect and compassion. Try to understand your child’s feelings and help your child appreciate how others feel when they are bullied.
Provide clear and consistent consequences for bullying. Be specific about what will happen if the bullying continues.
Be realistic. It takes time. Be patient as your child learns new ways of handling feelings and conflict. Reward positive behavior.

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Bullying Prevention