Anti-Bullying
Prevention
Sandpiper School is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive school community. We use Second Step social emotional learning curriculum, Second Step Bullying Prevention materials, and Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) to support students in building empathy for others and standing up for others.
What Is Bullying?
Children are taught to understand that friendship, kindness, and respect are the expectation at Sandpiper. Students learn how to respond to "mean" or "rude" situations through discussions, conferences and role plays.
We define rude behavior as unintentional and infrequent (once or twice) inconsiderate or impolite behaviors. Bumping into someone without saying excuse me is an example of rude behavior.
We define mean behaviors as intentional and infrequent (once or twice) hurtful behavior. Cutting in line or name calling unless repeated frequently is an example of mean behavior
We define bullying behaviors as intentional and repeated or severely hurtful behavior. Often there is a power imbalance between the people involved. Cutting in front of the same student(s) every day or aggression based on identity are examples of bullying behaviors.
Bullying behavior has a very different tone, and its impact on the victim is significantly more pronounced. There may be a power imbalance between the people involved such as an older student targeting a younger student. The impact on the victim is often profound and deep.
Students at Sandpiper learn they have options to respond to rude, mean, or bullying behavior. They can say, "Stop it. I don't like it" in an assertive voice with eye contact. They can also use "I messages" -- "I felt sad when you took my ball away." Students are also encouraged to ask for help from an adult if the behavior doesn't stop. All students are also taught that as soon as they feel scared or afraid of others to go directly to a trusted adult and ask for help.
Consequences for Bullying Behavior
Any student who engages in bullying on school premises, or off campus in a manner that causes or is likely to cause a substantial disruption of a school activity or school attendance, shall be subject to discipline, which may include suspension or expulsion, in accordance with district policies and regulations.
No student or group of students shall, through physical, written, verbal, or other means, harass, sexually harass, threaten, intimidate, cyberbully, cause bodily injury to, or commit hate violence against any other student or school personnel.
Cyberbullying Includes the transmission of harassing communications, direct threats, or other harmful texts, sounds, or images on the Internet, social media, or other technologies using a telephone, computer, or any wireless communication device. Cyberbullying also includes breaking into another person's electronic account and assuming that person's identity in order to damage that person's reputation.
Report Suspected Bullying
In addition, we ask students and families to report possible bullying so it can be investigated and resolved. If you have a case of possible bullying you would like to report, please email ghiggins@brssd.org or call the school office at 650.631.5510.