Bullying

BCMCS policy to report suspected harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying:

Informal Complaint Process: Anyone may use informal procedures [including, but not limited to, verbal, phone, and/or other electron means] in order to report complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. At BCMCS, an internal network is established for the delivery of informal complaints to appropriate school personnel. Such complaints will be appropriately investigated and handled consistent with due process requirements and the BCMCS Code of Conduct.

 

Informal reports may be made to any staff member, although staff will always inform accusers of their right to, and the process for filing a formal complaint. Staff will direct potential complaints to the Principal/CAO, who can explain the informal and formal complaint process and what course of action an accuser can expect. Staff will also inform Department Heads and/or Montessori Team Leaders when they receive complaints of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, especially when the complaint is beyond their training to resolve, or alleges serious misconduct.

 

Informal remedies include an opportunity for the accuser to explain to the alleged doer that the conduct is unwelcome, disruptive, or inappropriate either in writing or face-to- face; a statement from a staff member to the alleged doer that the alleged conduct is not appropriate and could lead to discipline if proven or repeated; or a general statement from the Principal/CAO reviewing and/or following through with the school harassment, intimidation and bullying policy, or verifying that the complaint needs to be more thoroughly investigated.

 

Formal Complaint Process: Anyone may initiate a formal complaint of harassment, intimidation or bullying, even if the informal complaint process is being utilized. It cannot be predicted what will be discovered or what kind of hearing may result. Efforts should be made to increase the confidence and trust of the person making the complaint. Student accuser(s), witnesses and alleged doer(s) may have a parent or trusted adult with them, if requested, during the school examination process. The Principal/CAO or designee may conclude that the school needs to conduct an investigation based on information in their possession regardless of the accuser’s interest in filing a formal complaint.

 

The following process will be followed for all Formal Complaints related to harassment, intimidation or bullying:

 

• All formal complaints shall be in writing. Formal complaints shall set forth the specific acts, conditions or circumstances alleged to have occurred that may constitute harassment, intimidation or

• Regardless of the complainant’s interest in filing a formal complaint, the Principal/CAO may conclude that the school needs to draft a formal complaint based on the

• The Principal/CAO shall investigate all formal, written complaints of harassment, intimidation or bullying, and other information that requires further
• The Principal/CAO or designee will respond in writing [via an incident or conduct form] to both the accuser and the doer, stating:

 

That the school intends to take corrective action; or

That the investigation is incomplete to date and will be continuing; or

That the school does not have adequate evidence to conclude that bullying,       harassment or intimidation occurred.

 

• Corrective measures deemed necessary will be instituted as quickly as possible, unless the accused is appealing the imposition of discipline and the district is barred by due process considerations or a lawful order from imposing the discipline until the appeal process in
• If a student accuser remains aggrieved by the designee’s response, the student may then go through the set BCMCS Grievance

 

Preventative Measures: Students will be provided with age-appropriate information on the recognition and prevention of harassment, intimidation and/or bullying, and their rights and responsibilities under this and other school policies. Classrooms and teachers will be provided with the following school message demonstrating and communicating bullying and its process for reporting:

 

Ways to STOMP Out Bullying

 

• Report Bullying -- Explain what happened to a school administrator or teacher to ensure that something is

 

• Stand up for someone who you think is being bullied – Show your classmate that you care about

 

• Have a discussion with the Bully -- Tell the bully that what he/she is doing is

 

• Spread the word that BCMCS will not tolerate bullying!!!!