We define harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) as intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical acts that:  

• 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, and 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 act 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 

Our social-emotional learning curriculum, taught at all grade levels, helps students develop skills to solve conflicts and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion in our schools. 

Second Step

Second Step is designed to teach developmentally appropriate social-emotional skills to children in grades K-8. Some of the skills taught include empathy, problem-solving, and emotion management.  

Kelso's Choice

Kelso's Choice is a conflict-management program for elementary students. Kelso the Frog helps teach students ways to resolve minor conflicts on their own. The program also teaches students the difference between problems they can solve on their own and major problems that require adult help. 

All instances of suspected harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying should be reported to your school’s principal or assistant principal in any of the following ways: 

• In person

• Over the phone

• By email

You may also complete the official HIB Report Form below and submit it to the school’s main office.

Credit: StopBullying.gov