Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Northshore School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents, guardians, volunteers and patrons that is free from harassment, intimidation and bullying. It strives to provide students with optimal conditions for learning by maintaining a school environment where everyone is treated with respect and no one is physically or emotionally harmed.

Definition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying means 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.

Conflict is inevitable, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are not. 

Conflict is a natural part of life. People view things differently, have disagreements, treat each other mean at times. It is important not to label conflict/fighting as bullying. Schools use these guidelines to help determine if this is a conflict or a situation of HIB.  

Please note that the school will take action in both cases. 

Conflict/Fighting Behaviors:  

• Between Friends/Equals/Peers 
• Spontaneous/Occasional  
• Accidental/Not Planned  
• Little or No Serious/Lasting Harm  
• Equal Emotional Reaction to the Incident  
• Not Done for Domination/Control  
• Sense of Remorse  
• Desire to Solve the Problem 

Bullying Behaviors:

• Not Friends/Imbalance of Power 
• Repeated Over Time 
• Intentional  
• Physical/Emotional Harm  
• Unequal Emotional Reaction to the Incident  
• Seeking Control/Possession/Domination 
• No Remorse, Blames the Target 
• No Effort to Solve the Problem 

How to Report Incidents of Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying

Any student who believes he or she has been the target of unresolved, severe, or persistent harassment, intimidation or bullying , or any other person in the school community who observes or receives notice that a student has or may have been the target of unresolved, severe or persistent  harassment, intimidating or bullying may report incidents verbally or in writing to any staff member. The Incident Reporting Form may be used by students, families or staff to report incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Reports can be filed anonymously. Each school office has reporting forms or you can download the Incident Reporting Form from the Quick Links menu to the right.

Report Safet ConcernsHIB Flowchart