BULLY FREE

SCHOOLS

ELC & Elementary School

Staff, Parent, Student

Handbook

2025-2026

Table of Contents

BULLY-FREE SCHOOL HANDBOOK

1. Goals

1. To support a safe school climate, conducive to teaching and learning that is free from threat, harassment, and any type of bullying behavior.
2. To create a school culture in which all types of bullying are regarded as unacceptable.
3. To implement procedures for intervention, investigation, and confrontation of students engaged in bullying behavior.
4. To empower victims and bystanders, or witnesses, of bullying to intervene upon observation of bullying behavior by their peers without fear of retaliation.

2. Definition of Bullying & Cyberbullying

1. Bullying:  In accordance with state law, bullying is defined as intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.  Bullying includes, but is not limited to:  physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or property damage; oral, written, or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.
2. Cyberbullying:  A form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone, or other wireless communication device, computer, or pager.  The district has jurisdiction over cyberbullying that uses the district’s technology resources or that originates on district property, at a district activity or on district transportation.  Even when cyberbullying does not involve district property, activities or technology resources, the district will impose consequences and discipline for those who engage in cyberbullying if there is a sufficient nexus to the educational environment, the behavior materially and substantially disrupts the educational environment, the communication involves a threat as defined by law, or the district is otherwise allowed by law to address the behavior.

3. Reporting Procedure

All students shall be informed of their right to protection against bullying behaviors and the right to file a complaint if they believe they have been the victim or witnessed an incident of bullying behavior.  School administrators are responsible for investigating each report, determining if the complaint is legitimate in accordance with the above definition, and taking appropriate corrective action.  Any student or staff member may initiate a complaint by talking to an administrator or completing a complaint form and returning this form to a school administrator or placing it in the drop box located in a central location of the building.  Forms will be available from the following:  teachers, nurse, library, front office, guidance office, and website.

4. Responding to Reports of Bullying

Within two school days of receiving a report of bullying, the principal will initiate an investigation of the incident.  The investigation shall be completed within ten school days of the date the report of bullying was received unless good cause exists to extend the investigation.

1. Interview the reporter or alleged victim.

1. Document basic information (who, what, where, when).
2. Ask for witnesses or evidence.
3. Offer assurance of protection against retaliation.
4. Inform parent/ guardian of the alleged bullying.

2. Review evidence and interview witness

3. Meet with the alleged bully.

1. Explain bullying behavior and its seriousness.
2. Present the allegation.
3. Provide an opportunity for response.
4. Explain investigation and follow up procedures.
5. Caution against retaliation.
6. Inform parent/ guardian of the alleged bullying.
7. Complete and file the Documentation of Bullying form.
8. Administer appropriate consequences as stated on the Bullying Behavior and Discipline Chart.

V.         Protection Against Retaliation

Students shall feel free to report bullying incidents without fear of retaliation from the accused.  Any attempt of retaliation shall be addressed by appropriate corrective actions up to and including expulsion.

VI.         Appeal Procedure

Both parties have the right to appeal the decision of the school administration in any situation that involves bullying behavior.  Appeals must be stated in writing by the parent/ guardian and forwarded to the Superintendent of Savannah R3 Schools.

VII.         Bullying Education

Students and parents shall be notified in writing that bullying behaviors shall not be tolerated.  The Bully-Free Schools handbook will be provided to all parents during school registration in August.

School administrators and teachers shall use announcements, newsletters, student advisory meetings, character education lessons, guidance curriculum lessons, assemblies, or other appropriate means to inform all students of the prohibition against bullying and the procedure for reporting complaints.

VIII.  Savannah R3 Elementary Bullying - Incident Report Form

If you have been the target of bullying or witnessed the bullying of another student, complete this form and submit it to a teacher, counselor, or building principal.  You have the right to complete this form anonymously.  However, it will be easier for the school to investigate this matter if as much information as possible is provided.

Reporter’s Name: ____________________________________________  Date Completed:  ________________

Who is the Victim or Intended target of bullying?  ________________________________________________

Date(s) of alleged bullying:  ___________________________________________________________________

Person(s) alleged to have committed the bullying or harassment:  ___________________________________

Describe the incident(s) of bullying as accurately as possible (use the back if necessary):

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Names of witnesses:  _________________________________________________________________________

Have you reported this to anyone else?  ____ Yes   ____ No  If yes, Who? ______________________________

This section is for school staff

Date received:  _________________  Start date:  _________________  Completed date:  _______________

Investigative action taken:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

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Result of investigation:  Was the bullying incident substantiated?  ____ Yes   ____ No

Action taken:

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Make 2 copies of this form.  Copy 1 for the alleged bullying student’s file.  Copy 2 for the alleged target student’s file.  Original goes to the cumulative building file for bullying report forms.

IX.  Bullying Behavior and Discipline

Elementary School

*Consequences for each offense will include parent contact and possible juvenile office/ public safety referral.

* These guidelines have been established, final decision will be based on administrator discretion.

* Consequences after 3rd Offense of any level will include up to 180 days OSS and parent conference with administration.

X. Student and Parent Resources

XI. Contacts