At Otsego Middle School, bullying and harassment are subjects we take seriously.
BULLYING is any repeated mean look, gesture, word, or action that harms a person's body, feelings, reputation, property, or relationships. In addition, bullying involves a power difference with an intent to harm or upset the victim. HARASSMENT (sexual) is defined as any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that is repeated, non-reciprocal, unwanted, and which creates a hostile, offensive, or intimidating school atmosphere.
Bullying and harassment at Otsego Middle School are not tolerated in any form. Unfortunately, like any school, they still can occur within our walls in any place, and at any time. Staff and students work together to prevent, identify, and stomp out bullying and harassment quickly and efficiently. Reporting of bullying and harassment is necessary to their extinction, and students are encouraged to report incidents they have witnessed and/or experienced to the nearest adult and as quickly as possible.
Consequences for students who engage in bullying and/or harassment are addressed and categorized by the severity of the behavior (teasing to severe physical contact and intimidation). Please refer to the OMS Student Handbook for specific consequences for specific kinds of bullying behaviors. If you have any questions, please contact our Assistant Principal, Lesley Emmons, at 692-6199 or [email protected]. If you wish to report a possible bullying incident, you may contact anyone at Otsego Middle School, including Mr. Fuller.
Assault, attack, threatening or intimidating acts, or hazing:
-Up to 10 days suspension pending parental conference.
-Referral to couonselor.
-Possible referral to police.
-Possible recommendation for expulsion.
Educating students about bullying and harassment is crucial to their prevention.
Near the beginning of each school year, Mr. Fuller teaches all of our 6th graders how to identify and prevent bullying from happening to themselves and to their peers. Types of bullying and its effects, types of bullies and victims, and ways students can act as "proactive bystanders" to combat and prevent bullying are part of each year's presentation. The powerpoint file included on this page (see below) is the basis for our 6th grade discussion each fall.
bullying1.ppt | |
File Size: | 1062 kb |
File Type: | ppt |