Harassment and Bullying: A Guide for Students, Staff & Parents

  • The Snoqualmie Valley School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and parents/legal guardians that is free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. In order to ensure respect and prevent harm, it is a violation of District Policy 3207 for a student to be harassed, intimidated, or bullied by others in the school community, at school-sponsored events, or when such actions create a substantial disruption to the educational process. 

     

    Definition of Harassment and Bullying

     

    RCW 28A.600.477 defines harassment, intimidation, or bullying as any intentionally written message or image—including those that are electronically transmitted—verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics when an act:
    • Physically harms a student or damages the student's property.
    • Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's education.
    • Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment.
    • Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
     
    Harassment and bullying behaviors can be viewed in two categories:
    • Harassment: Serious, unwanted conduct, such as threats or physical actions;
    • Bullying:  Ongoing, unwanted behavior, a pattern of behavior rather than random incidents of meanness or hurtful behavior.
    The core goal of harassment/bullying behavior is power over the victim which is satisfied based on how the victim reacts or responds.
     

    If your child feels harassed or bullied, the incident(s) should be reported immediately to a teacher, counselor, or principal. To report an instance of harassment, intimidation, or bullying please contact your school administrator or fill out the incident reporting form.


    Prevention and Support Programs
    For information on: District policies and procedures regarding harassment, intimidation and bullying, and sexual harassment, plus an incident reporting form and compliance officer contact information, programs in schools that support students, resources used in prevention education.

     

    What Students Can Do and Parents Should Know

    For information on: how to report a concern, identify risky behaviors, and safeguard students online.