Throughout the Month of October, all of our classroom teachers are providing lessons from the Second Step Bullying Prevention Curriculum. Students are taught to Recognize, Report and Refuse bullying. We will also be raising awareness about Bullying Prevention Month by celebrating Unity Day on Wednesday October 18th, a day to come together for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange or wear school spirit (yellow and blue) to show their support.
From OSD Policy 3207:
“Harassment, intimidation or bullying” (HIB) means any intentional written message or image, including those that are electronically transmitted, a verbal or physical act, including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 9A.36.080(3)—race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, or mental or physical disability, or other distinguishing characteristics—when the intentional written message, electronic message or image, verbal or physical act:
- Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
- Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening
environment that limits or denies a student’s ability to benefit from or participate in the
schools education and/or activity programs; or,
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
A student affected by HIB does not need to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for the
harassment, intimidation, or bullying. “Other distinguishing characteristics” can include but are not
limited to: physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and
marital status. It can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning
comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral,
physical or electronically transmitted messages or images. “Intentional acts” of HIB refers to the
individual’s choice to engage in the act, not the ultimate impact of the act(s).
For more information from Policy 3207 and to access the district's HIB reporting form click here.
Lunch Groups
September's New Student Picnics just wrapped up. Lunch groups about respect, emotional regulation, and social skills are starting the first week in October. Students will enter and exit groups this year as needed, so it is never too late to sign up.
Mental Health Referral Service
Did you know that Washington has a Mental Health Referral Service for Children and Teens? After calling or submitting an online form, a referral specialist will talk with you about your child's specific needs and identify 1-2 providers who can meet their needs in your area. They also follow-up to ensure that services were able to be accessed and to address any barriers that came up. You can reach them online or by phone at 833-303-5437. It's not automated! When I called a very kind person named Patrick was there to help.