Bullying Policy

SENSE is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students. Bullying, harassment, intimidation, and threatening behavior disrupt the educational process and negatively impact student well-being. Such behaviors are contrary to the mission and values of SENSE and will not be tolerated.

Students have the right to learn in an environment free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation. Any student who engages in bullying behavior may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, expulsion, and referral to law enforcement when appropriate.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is unwanted verbal, physical, written, electronic, or social behavior involving a real or perceived imbalance of power that:

• Is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time;
• Creates a hostile school environment;
• Substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities, benefits, or performance; or
• Negatively affects a student’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being.

Bullying may be motivated by an actual or perceived characteristic, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, physical appearance, academic performance, or any other distinguishing characteristic.

Expectations for Students

Students are expected to:

• Treat others with respect, dignity, and kindness.
• Refrain from engaging in bullying, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation.
• Report bullying behaviors to a trusted adult.
• Cooperate with school investigations.
• Support a positive and inclusive school culture.

Students who witness bullying are encouraged to act as responsible bystanders by:

• Reporting concerns to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or trusted adult.
• Refusing to participate in or encourage bullying behavior.
• Supporting peers who may be experiencing bullying.

Reporting Bullying

Any student, parent/guardian, staff member, or community member who believes that bullying has occurred should report the incident as soon as possible.

Reports may be made to:

• A teacher
• School counselor
• Dean of Students
• Head of School/Principal
• Any staff member

Reports may be made verbally or in writing. SENSE will document and investigate all reported incidents promptly.

Retaliation against any person who reports bullying or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

Knowingly making false accusations of bullying may also result in disciplinary consequences.

Investigation Procedures

Upon receiving a report of bullying, school administration will:

1. Promptly investigate the allegation.
2. Interview involved students and relevant witnesses.
3. Review available evidence and documentation.
4. Determine whether the conduct constitutes bullying under school policy.
5. Communicate appropriate findings and actions with the families involved, consistent with student privacy laws.

Implement interventions and consequences as necessary to ensure student safety and prevent future incidents.

Consequences and Interventions

Consequences for bullying will be determined based on the severity, frequency, and impact of the behavior and may include:

• Student conference
• Parent/guardian notification
• Counseling or restorative interventions
• Behavioral contracts or safety plans
• Loss of privileges
• Detention
• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension
• Expulsion, when warranted
• Referral to law enforcement when appropriate

The minimum response to a substantiated bullying incident will include administrative intervention and parent/guardian notification.

Prevention and Education

SENSE is committed to preventing bullying through ongoing education and character development initiatives.
SENSE will:

• Provide age-appropriate bullying prevention instruction to students annually.
• Promote digital citizenship and responsible online behavior.
• Teach conflict resolution, empathy, and respectful communication skills.
• Train staff members to recognize, respond to, and report bullying behaviors.
• Foster a school culture that values respect, inclusion, responsibility, and kindness.

Reporting Requirements

SENSE will report incidents of bullying to the Indiana Department of Education in accordance with Indiana Code § 20-34-6 and all applicable state reporting requirements.

Non-Retaliation

Retaliation against a student, parent, guardian, employee, or other individual who reports bullying, participates in an investigation, or assists in resolving a complaint is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Creating a safe school environment requires the cooperation of students, families, staff, and the community. SENSE expects all members of SENSE community to contribute to a culture where every student feels safe, valued, respected, and supported.