Bullying Information

Derby Public Schools does not tolerate bullying as part of the safe learning environment we establish and continuously expect for all students, staff and community members. In order to achieve our vision of educating every student, every day- preparing them for the future, students must feel respected and safe.

Bullying is defined as “any intentional gesture or any intentional written, verbal, electronic or physical act or threat either by any student, staff member or parent towards a student or by any student, staff member that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive.” The state definition further explains that any bullying act that “creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, knows or should know will have the effect of:

a. Harming a student or staff member, whether physically or mentally;
b. Damaging a student or staff member in reasonable fear of harm to the student or staff member; or
c. Placing a student or staff member in reasonable fear of damage to the student’s or staff member’s
property;

The district, and state, definition of bullying includes social media and online bullying. By definition Cyberbullying means the use of electronic communication including text messages, chats, social media, email, web pages, electronic photos or memes, using any online device that is used to mistreat, tease or bully another person. Derby Public Schools’ district policies prohibit the use of school owned devices, and
personal devices, used by students and staff, to bully others.

Bullying, intimidation or harassment in any form is prohibited by the board of education of the school district in policies concerning bullying adopted pursuant to this section or subsection of K.S. A 72-8205 and amendments thereto. Derby Public Schools, USD 260, will not tolerate these actions by students, staff, parents or community members. Administrators will apply immediate and appropriate consequences to instances of bullying behavior based upon the guidelines found within the student and staff handbook.

Through education training provided to staff and lessons provided to students, Derby Public Schools will utilize curriculum and training programs that will impart preventative skills and guidelines to students and staff to discourage bystander behavior that can intentionally, or unintentionally support acts of bullying.

Training 
Annually the staff is trained, and passes an assessment on preventing and recognizing bullying behaviors. New teachers are trained on teaching social emotional units using resources appropriate to each grade level. Elementary schools use the Second Step program, middle schools use Second Step and Ramp Up programs and High School uses Everfi lessons. Additionally, new teachers are trained on classroom management strategies (and Trauma Informed Instruction practices) that promote a positive classroom environment and redirection of inappropriate behaviors. These trainings and programs assist teachers in the development of classrooms expectations that decrease the likelihood of inappropriate behaviors and teach positive redirection strategies to staff.

Each student completes a series of digital citizenship lessons by October 1st of each school year as a preventative measure to help students understand common expectations for online conduct and how to respond if Cyberbullying occurs.

Each school will have their own anti-bullying themes and activities that are part of their school culture. Schools across the district will incorporate special anti-bullying assemblies and activities into their school calendar during the state-wide anti-bullying week that occurs during the first week of October. Additional activities and continuous reinforcement through school expectations will occur throughout the school year.

National Bullying Prevention Center - Site for kids and teens against bullying.

Stopbullying.gov - One-stop access to U.S. Government information on bullying topics for kids, teens and parents.

GetNetWise - The GetNetWise coalition allows internet users to be only "one click away" from needed resources to make informed decisions about their family's internet use.

Webwise - A non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring child internet safety by giving tips and advice to parents and children on how to protect themselves from online predators.

KSDE Anti-Bullying Resources - Parent site for anti-bullying awareness resources.