The Shikellamy School District Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for all students. The Board and Administration prohibit bullying and cyberbullying by any district student, as these behaviors interfere with a safe and supportive environment that is essential for learning.

Bullying is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students that occurs in the school setting; on school grounds; in school vehicles; at designated bus stops; or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the District that is severe, persistent, or pervasive and has the effect of one or more of the following:

1. Substantially interfering with a student's education.
2. Creating a threatening environment.
3. Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Cyberbullying means bullying through the use of electronic technology or communication, including data, computer software, online platforms, devices, systems, networks, internet services, email, social media, or other digital means, regardless of their origin, including artificial intelligence (AI)-generated or AI-modified media.

Each student is expected to respect the rights of others. Students who believe they have been bullied or cyberbullied, or who witness bullying or cyberbullying, should promptly report the incident to the building principal, counselor, teacher, or another trusted school employee.

A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct and Board Policy 249 – Bullying/Cyberbullying.

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Reporting Procedures

The purpose of these procedures is to help students, parents/guardians, and staff understand how reports of bullying and cyberbullying are handled in the Shikellamy School District.

How will the school determine if an incident is bullying?

Every reported incident of alleged bullying or cyberbullying will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. School administrators will review the facts of each case to determine whether the behavior meets the definition of bullying or cyberbullying under Board Policy 249 and Pennsylvania law.

While not every conflict, disagreement, or misunderstanding constitutes bullying, all reported incidents will receive an appropriate review and investigation.

How do I report bullying or cyberbullying?

Students and parents/guardians may report bullying or cyberbullying in any of the following ways:

• Contact the school by phone and report the incident to school personnel.
• Report the incident in person to a building administrator, counselor, teacher, or other staff member.
• Complete the District's Bullying Incident Reporting Form, available in each school office.
• Report the incident through any other District-approved reporting method.

Can a report be made anonymously?

Yes. Anonymous reports of bullying or cyberbullying are accepted by the District and may be submitted through the District's established reporting procedures.

While anonymous reports will be investigated to the extent possible, providing your name allows school staff to gather additional information, conduct a more thorough investigation, and provide appropriate support during the process.

Knowingly making a false report or using the reporting process to intentionally make false accusations may result in disciplinary action.

What happens after a report is made?

1. A building administrator or designee will acknowledge receipt of the report when appropriate.
2. Every report of alleged bullying or cyberbullying will be investigated promptly.
3. The administrator will gather information, interview individuals as appropriate, and determine whether the reported behavior meets the definition of bullying or cyberbullying.
4. If bullying or cyberbullying is confirmed, parents/guardians of all students involved will be notified as soon as practical, consistent with applicable student confidentiality laws.
5. Appropriate interventions and disciplinary actions will be implemented in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and Board Policy 249.
6. The District will document the investigation, findings, notifications, and interventions in accordance with District procedures and state reporting requirements.
7. When appropriate, additional supports, safety planning, counseling services, or referrals will be provided to students.

Reports involving suspected AI-generated or AI-modified images, audio, video, or other digital content used to harass, intimidate, threaten, or bully another student will be investigated in the same manner as all other allegations of cyberbullying.

Will I be told what disciplinary action was taken?

Federal and state student confidentiality laws prohibit the District from sharing specific disciplinary consequences involving another student.

However, parents/guardians will be informed when an investigation has been completed and whether appropriate action has been taken to address the reported behavior and prevent further incidents.

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District Responsibilities

In accordance with Pennsylvania law, the Shikellamy School District will:

• Post Board Policy 249 on the District website.
• Make Board Policy 249 available in every classroom.
• Display the policy prominently in each school building.
• Review the policy with students annually.
• Review the policy at least once every three years.
• Maintain documentation of bullying and cyberbullying investigations and interventions.
• Annually report required bullying and cyberbullying data to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, including the number of confirmed cyberbullying incidents suspected to involve AI-generated or AI-modified media.