Warrensville Heights City School District does not tolerate bullying.
Any student who believes he/she has been or is the victim of aggressive behavior should immediately report the situation to the building principal or assistant principal, or the Superintendent. Every student and staff member is encouraged to report any situation that they believe to be aggressive behavior directed toward a student. The student may also report concerns to a teacher or counselor who will notify the principal.
What preventative measures does WHCSD take against Bullying?
WHCSD takes all incidents of bullying seriously. To prevent these issues in our schools and classrooms, and to encourage a safe environment for all scholars, we utilize Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Learn more about PBIS here.
What is Bullying?
Ohio law [Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3313.666(B)(E)] defines bullying, harassment and intimidation in Ohio schools as any intentional written, verbal, graphic or physical act that a student or group of students exhibits toward another student more than once, and that behavior both:
• Causes mental or physical harm to the other student; and
• Is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for the other student.
Note that “bullying” here refers to all instances of harassment, intimidation and bullying as per state law. This definition also appears in the State Board of Education’s Anti-Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying Model Policy, section 3.1. The State Board model policy adds a definition of cyber bullying as repetitive, hostile behavior with the intent to harm others through the use of information and communication technologies such as websites, instant messages, camera phones or iPods.
Understanding Bullying
Because of the prevalence of bullying in today’s schools and its negative consequences for students, Ohio law requires that all Ohio public school districts adopt policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation and bullying. Ohio law outlines a definition for these behaviors and requires that school districts adopt procedures for documenting, investigating and reporting complaints. To see WHCSD's policy, refer to the Student Code of Conduct.
Bullying vs. Unwanted Behaviors
Parents who understand the law and local school policies about bullying are better prepared to play a role in any potential bullying situation involving their children. Note that “bullying” here refers to all instances of harassment, intimidation and bullying as defined by law.
What is different about bullying among Teens?
As children grow older, sexual harassment; bias or hate-motivated bullying; and aggressive and humiliating hazing as part of club, sports team or other group traditions may come into play.
Bullying Incident History
At least semi-annually, the Superintendent shall report incidents of Bullying on the District website. The list shall be limited to the number of verified acts of harassment, intimidation and/or bullying, whether in the classroom, on school property, to and from school, or at school-sponsored events.
- 2018-2019 Totals: 25 Incidences of Bullying
- 2017-2018 Totals: 21 Incidences of Bullying
- 2016-2017 Totals: 14 Incidences of Bullying
Mandatory Reporting Policy:
Allegations of criminal misconduct and suspect child abuse will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency and/or to Child Protective Services in accordance with statute. District personnel shall cooperate with investigations by such agencies.