Anti-Bullying Policy Momentum Academy is committed to providing all scholars with a safe school environment where everyone is treated with respect. Scholars have a right to be free from any form of bullying. Students, parents, and school employees have a right and a responsibility to report incidents. Momentum Academy believes that all scholars should be treated equally when it comes to our Anti-Bullying Policy with no particular regard for special populations. What is bullying? “Bullying” means 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; substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities, or benefits of any student without exception; or substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying may consist of physical actions, including gestures, or oral, cyberbullying, electronic, or written communication, and any threat of retaliation for reporting of such acts. Bullying of scholars is prohibited on school property, at any school function, or on school transportation. ( Per 160.775 RSMo) “Cyberbullying” means bullying as defined in this subsection through the 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 devices, computer, or pager. Statement of Prohibition Bullying of scholars is prohibited on school property, at any school function, or on a school bus. Instances of reported or observed bullying that are in violation of the law or involve possible child abuse must be reported to the appropriate agency. Anti-Bully Procedures Responsible Parties “Designated School Officials” The Principal of each building will be the primary individual to receive and investigate reports of bullying. Each building will also designate at least one teacher or administrator in the building who are authorized to receive and investigate reports of bullying in the Principal’s absence or at the principal’s discretion. Designated LEA Official The Student Support Services Manager will serve as the districtwide anti-bullying coordinator. The anti-bullying coordinator will receive all completed investigative reports and analyze reports to identify any possible patterns. The Student Support Services Manager will also use this date to inform the district’s anti-discrimination and antibullying education and training programs. In addition, the Anti-bullying Coordinator will assist in making any relevant reports as required by state and federal law. Reporting Procedures School employees, contracted employees, substitutes, volunteer and district officials are expected to intervene to prevent student bullying and appropriately report the incident to the designated school official for further investigation and action. Any LEA employee who observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses harassment, intimidation or bullying or to whom such actions have been reported must report the incident within 2 school days of the event witnessed, and complete the Bullying Reporting Form. Scholars who have been subjected to bullying, have witnessed it or have knowledge or bullying are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to a school employee (including 3rd party contractors). Any of the above-mentioned adults within the school building are responsible to promptly communicate the report to the designated school official within 2 school days. If the bullying incident involves scholars from more than one district building, the report should be made to the designated school official of where the incident took place or if more appropriate, to the designated school official of the building with the majority of those who participated in the incident. Investigation Within two days of receiving the report of bullying, the designated school official will initiate an investigation or the incident. Reports that involve scholars from multiple buildings will be investigated cooperatively by the appropriate designated school officials at each location or the school officials may request the investigation be completed by the designated LEA official. If at any time during the investigation the school official determines that bullying involves a special education scholar or scholar with disabilities, the school official will immediately notify the Student Support Services Manager. The investigation must be completed within 10 school days of the date of the bullying report was received unless good cause exists to extend the investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the school designee will decide whether bullying or harassment occurred and if so, whether additional discipline is warranted in accordance with the Family Handbook. The school designee will send copies of the report, investigation, and findings to the LEA Designated official. All reports will be kept confidential in accordance with state and federal law. Consequences Any student determined to have bullied another scholar may be subject to the consequences outlined in the family handbook, to be determined by the school administrative team, up to and including a recommendation for expulsion. The designated officials will also contact Law enforcement when required by law or notify social media companies of inappropriate online activity when appropriate. The administrative team may work with the school counselor to determine a course of action for any scholar who is reported as bullying or being the recipient of bullying behavior. Every effort will be made by the administrative and counseling teams to mitigate bullying behavior. Reprisal or Retaliation There will be no reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying. There will be swift and appropriate remedial action for the person who engages in these activities. Scholars with Individual Education Plans or Section 504 Plans: If allegations are proven that a student with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan has been the target of harassment, intimidation or bullying, the school will convene the student’s IEP or Section 504 case manager to determine whether the incident had an impact on the student’s ability to receive a free, appropriate public education. The meeting should occur regardless of whether the harassment, intimidation or bullying incident was based on the student’s disability. During the meeting, the team will evaluate issues such as the student’s academic performance, behavioral issues, attendance, and participation in extracurricular activities. If a determination is made that the student is not able to access curriculum as a result of the harassment, intimidation or bullying incident, the LEA will provide additional services and supports as deemed necessary, such as counseling, monitoring and/or reevaluation or revision of the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan, to ensure the student receives a free, appropriate public education. Cyberbullying that originates on a school’s campus or at a district activity if the electronic communication was made using the school’s technological resources, if there is a sufficient nexus to the educational environment, or if the electronic communication was made on the school’s campus or at a district activity using the student’s own personal technological resources. The school district may discipline any student for such cyberbullying to the greatest extent allowed by law (Section 160.775, RSMo). Policy Publication The district shall annually notify scholars, parents/guardians, district employees, contracted employees, substitutes and volunteers about this policy and the district’s stance against bullying. A copy of this policy shall be included in the Family Handbook and posted on the district website. Training and Prevention The district’s Anti-bullying coordinator will provide information and appropriate training designated to assist those who have significant contact with scholars and are required to identify, prevent and respond to incidents of bullying. The district will provide education and information about bullying and this policy to scholars yearly. The school designated official with support from the school counselors and appropriate employees will determine best methods for facilitating the discussion. Schools will also be encouraged to provide parents and guardians an opportunity for education in regards to anti-bullying resources and EAGLE’s stance on anti-bullying.