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Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING

IMPORTANT: Call 911 immediately if you or someone else is in immediate danger or your tip is in regards to a life-threatening emergency.

REPORT HIB WITH HEARMEWA REPORT A CONCERN INFO

Educational Service Center
14015 62nd Avenue NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
P: (253) 530-1000

Michael Farmer

Chief of Schools

 

Julie Shultz-Bartlett

Deputy Chief of Schools

 

John Yellowlees

Chief Academic Officer

 

Shelby Cobb

Paralegal

Peninsula School District is committed to providing safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), whether at school, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This page defines HIB, explains what to do when you see it, and outlines our school's process for responding to it.

REPORT HIB ANONYMOUSLY 

What is Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)?

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

  • Physically harms another student or damages their property;
  • Has the effect of substantially interfering with another student's education; or,
  • Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB typically involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed in our schools.

How to Report HIB or Discrimination

  • If you witness or experience bullying between students, you can:

    1. Report to any school staff member – All staff are trained to receive HIB reports
    2. Report to the school principal or counselor
    3. Submit an anonymous report through HearMeWA
    4. Contact the district HIB Compliance Officer (contact information below)

  • Discrimination occurs when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

    Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational environment or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.

    To report discrimination or sexual harassment:

    1. Contact the school principal
    2. Contact the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
    3. Contact the Title IX Coordinator for sex-based discrimination
    4. Submit a report through HearMeWA

  • If you have concerns about a PSD staff member's behavior:

    1. If possible, discuss your concerns directly with the staff member
    2. If the concern persists or is serious, contact the school principal
    3. If needed, contact the appropriate district coordinator based on the nature of the concern
    4. Use the HearMeWA anonymous reporting system

  • Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. It can occur through SMS, text, apps, social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.

    To report cyberbullying:

    1. Document the cyberbullying by taking screenshots or saving messages
    2. Report to the school principal or counselor
    3. Submit a report through HearMeWA
    4. Report serious threats to local law enforcement

  • If you're not satisfied with the resolution of your complaint:

    1. Request a meeting with the school principal to discuss your concerns
    2. If still not resolved, contact the appropriate district coordinator
    3. File a formal appeal according to district policy
    4. If necessary, contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) or the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights

What is our district doing to prevent harassment, intimidation, and bullying?

Peninsula School District is committed to creating safe learning environments for all students through:

  • Regular staff training on recognizing and preventing HIB
  • Age-appropriate student education on bullying prevention
  • Implementation of evidence-based prevention programs
  • Prompt investigation of all HIB reports
  • Support for students who experience HIB
  • Consistent enforcement of HIB policies and procedures
  • Collaboration with families and community partners

  • Talk to your kids about bullying even if you don't think they are victims, bullies or bystanders. Remember, simply by asking your children about their school day, you are protecting them. Ask how things are going at school. Ask what they think of the other kids in their class. Find out who is getting picked on or bullied. Be aware that some kids who are bullied will fear to go to school or develop headaches, stomachaches, or other illnesses.

  • Sexual harassment means unwelcome conduct or communication of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can occur: adult to student or can be carried out by a group of students or adults and will be investigated by the District even if the alleged harasser is not a part of the school staff or student body.

    Examples of Sexual Harassment:

    • Demands for sexual favors
    • Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
    • Writing graffiti of a sexual nature
    • Distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
    • Making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
    • Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault

    Peninsula School District prohibits sexual harassment of students by other students, employees or third parties involved with school activities.

  • Discrimination occurs when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

    Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student's protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student's ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school's services, activities, or opportunities.

  • All students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. The district is committed to creating and maintaining a respectful and inclusive learning community for all students regardless of gender expression, gender identity, or sex.

    If you have questions about gender-inclusive policies or procedures, please contact our Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator at compliance@psd401.net.

District Policies

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