Bullying Prevention and Education

Thompson School District believes that all students are entitled to a safe and secure school environment, conducive to teaching and learning that is free from threat, harassment, and any type of bullying behavior. Any student who believes they have been a target of bullying and/or other behaviors prohibited by this policy, or who has witnessed such bullying and/or other prohibited behaviors, is strongly encouraged to immediately report such conduct to a school administrator, counselor or teacher or to complete policy exhibit JICDE-E-1, Bullying Report Form, and submit it to an administrator, teacher, or any other staff member. Reports can be made anonymously. Students who have been subjected to bullying that may be criminal in nature or that otherwise requires an immediate response or where safety is an immediate concern are strongly encouraged to seek immediate assistance, including from law enforcement. Reports of bullying may also be made anonymously through Safe2Tell. 

Safe2Tell Contact Information: https://safe2tell.org/ or 1-877-542-7233

Bullying is any written or verbal expression, no matter the medium or method of delivery, including, without limitation, electronic transmission (cyberbullying), or a physical act or gesture, or a pattern thereof, that is intended to coerce, intimidate, or cause any physical, mental, or emotional harm to another person. Retaliation in violation of this policy is defined as any adverse or negative action or behavior taken or intended against a person as a consequence of such person raising good faith concerns about conduct prohibited by this policy; opposing bullying; reporting bullying; cooperating or participating in any way in the procedures or processes of this or other disciplinary policies arising out of bullying behavior. A person may be found to be retaliating against another for knowingly making false accusations of bullying or acting to influence the investigation, or the response to, a report of bullying.

The district does not tolerate bullying against any person involved in the district’s educational program and activities, whether such programs or activities take place on district property, at district sanctioned activities and events, in any vehicle dispatched by the district or one of its schools, or off school property when such conduct has a nexus to district activities or events. Bullying is prohibited against any person for any reason, including but not limited to any such behavior that is directed toward a person based on the person’s actual or perceived academic performance or protected characteristics, including race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, immigration/citizenship status, age, marital status, conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, need for special education services or other status protected by federal or state law.

A student who engages in any act of bullying, retaliation against another in violation of this policy, or reporting bullying in bad faith will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to restorative practices, suspension, expulsion, and/or termination of employment, as appropriate, and such reports of bullying may be referred to law enforcement authorities. The severity and pattern, if any, of the behavior will be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made. Bullying behavior that constitutes unlawful discrimination or harassment will be promptly investigated and, if appropriate, the individual who has demonstrated the bullying behavior will be disciplined in accordance with related Board policies and procedures. Individuals who are targets of bullying behavior that may constitute unlawful discrimination or harassment have additional rights and protections provided by Board policies and procedures prohibiting unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Parents, guardians, and students can access the policy on the Thompson School District Board of Education website at https://www.thompsonschools.org/page/964. To learn more about prevention of bullying and support of students who have been the target of bullying, refer to JICDE-E-2, SUPPORTING STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN TARGETS OF BULLYING BEHAVIORS: https://www.thompsonschools.org/cms/lib/CO01900772/Centricity/domain/367/j/JICDE-E-2.pdf

JICDE-E-1:  Bullying Report Form: https://www.thompsonschools.org/cms/lib/CO01900772/Centricity/Domain/367/j/JICDE-E-1.pdf

For additional resources and educational opportunities, visit our Student Success Web page at https://www.thompsonschools.org/page/20577 or our Safety and Security Web page at https://www.thompsonschools.org/domain/675.