VAUGHN NEXT CENTURY LEARNING CENTER ANTI-BULLYING, CYBER BULLYING, & SEXTING, HAZING POLICIES

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Vaughn Next Century Learning Centeris committed to providing a safe learning and workingenvironment; will not tolerate bullying or any behavior thatinfringes on the safety or well-being of students, employees, orany other persons within the school’s jurisdiction; and will nottolerate retaliation in any form when bullying has been reported.This includes while in school, at school-related events, andtraveling to and from school. District policy continues to requireall schools and all personnel to promote mutual respect,tolerance, and acceptance among students and staff. “Allstudents and staff of public primary, elementary, junior high andsenior high have the inalienable right to attend campuses whichare safe, secure and peaceful.” [Article 1, Section 28(c) of theCalifornia State Constitution]

Bullying is defined as aggressive behavior that involves animbalance of real or perceived physical or psychological poweramong those involved. Typically, the behavior is repeated overtime and includes the use of hurtful words and/or acts.

Bullying behaviors may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

  • Verbal: Hurtful name-calling, teasing, gossiping, making threats, making rude noises, or spreading hurtful rumors.
  • Nonverbal: Posturing, making gang signs, leering, staring, stalking, destroying property, using graffiti or graphic images, or exhibiting inappropriate and/or threatening gestures or actions.
  • Physical: Hitting, punching, pushing, shoving, poking, kicking, tripping, strangling, hair pulling, fighting, beating, biting, spitting, or destroying property.
  • Emotional (Psychological): Rejecting, terrorizing, extorting, defaming, intimidating, humiliating, blackmailing, manipulating friendships, isolating, ostracizing, using peer pressure, or rating or ranking personal characteristics.
  • Administrators and staff are responsible for creating an environment where the school community understands that bullying behavior is inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Students must also take responsibility for helping to create a safe environment:
  • Treat everyone with respect. Be sensitive as to how others might perceive your actions or words.
  • Do not engage in or contribute to bullying behaviors, actions, or words.
  • Report bullying behavior to a trusted adult.
  • Never engage in retaliatory behavior or ask, encourage, or consent to anyone’s taking retaliatory actions on your behalf.

Cyber bullying is the use of any electronic device, such as cell phones and computers etc., which are used to send instant messaging, e-mail, etc. to harass, threaten, or intimidate someone. Common sites used are Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. Students can take active measures by blacklisting or whitelisting e-mail accounts, changing e-mail addresses, changing ISPs, changing cell phone accounts, and attempting to trace the source. It may be advisable to inform the local police department or consult an attorney. If this offense affects the school environment, and or a student’s attendance and learning process, the offender will be subject to disciplinary action.

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, primarily between cell phones. Students who text photographs of themselves or of their friends or partners may be charged with distribution of child pornography in a court of law. Those who receive pornography may be charged with possession of child pornography in a court of law. If this offense affects the school environment, and or a student’s attendance and learning process the offender will be subject to disciplinary action.

Hazing is any humiliating or potentially harmful initiation, pre-initiation, or rite of passage associated with membership in a student organization whether or not it is officially recognized by the educational institution.

Consequences for students who have engaged in Bullying Behavior may include the following, and will be addressed in concert with the student discipline policy:

1. Counseling/Warning

2. Detention

3. Parent/Student/Administrator/Counselor conference

4. Referral to police and possible arrest

5. Suspension

6. Recommendation for expulsion

7. Mediation between involved parties

Policy Revision 1/30/2015