Compliance Officer
Cheryl Griffiths
Superintendent
(209) 532-5491
cgriffiths@sesk12.org
Bullying Prevention
The District prohibits any discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying of any student based on the student’s actual race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Prohibited discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying includes physical, verbal, nonverbal, or written conduct based on one of the categories listed above that is so severe and pervasive that it affects a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity; creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile, or offensive educational environment; has the effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with a student’s academic performance; or otherwise adversely affects a student’s educational opportunities.
Filing a Complaint
Any student, parent/guardian, or other individual who believes that a student has been subjected to bullying or who has witnessed bullying is encouraged to report the incident to a teacher, the principal, a compliance officer, or any other available school employee.
When a report of bullying is submitted, the principal or a district compliance officer shall inform the student or parent/guardian of the right to file a formal written complaint in accordance with Administrative Regulation 1312.3 – Uniform Complaint Procedures.
AR 1312.3 Uniform Complaint Procedures
BP 5145.9 Hate Motivated Behavior
The student who is the alleged victim of the bullying shall be given an opportunity to describe the incident, identify witnesses who may have relevant information, and provide other evidence of bullying.
Complaints should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than six months from the date of the alleged incident or violation. Complaints must be filed in writing and delivered by mail, email, or in person. We have a form available, but it is not necessary to use the form to file a complaint.
Complaints should include the following information, if known:
- The complainant’s name, contact information, and relationship to the district (e.g., student, parent, employee).
- The name(s) of the individual(s) responsible for the alleged violation, if known.
- A detailed description of the incident or violation, including relevant dates, locations, and any supporting documentation or evidence.
- Any steps taken to resolve the issue informally, if applicable.
- When the circumstances involve cyber-bullying, individuals with information about the activity shall be encouraged to save and print any electronic or digital messages sent to them that they feel constitute cyber-bullying.
These instructions are intended solely for student-to-student bullying-related incidents. All other bullying incidents may be referred to the district office.
Confidentiality
Reasonable efforts will be made to keep a report of bullying or harassment and the result of the investigation confidential. The Board also prohibits any form of retaliation against any student who files a complaint or report regarding an incident of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
False Reports and Statements
Intentionally false reports, use of the complaint process, or statements to defame a fellow student or staff member for any illegitimate reason will result in disciplinary consequences.
Bullying
Bullying is the repeated actions or threats of an action directed toward a person by one or more people who have or are perceived to have more power or status than their target to cause fear, distress or harm.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is intentionally and repeatedly mistreating others through technology, such as computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.
What Bullying is…
- Repeated aggressive behavior.
- Intended to cause harm (physical or emotional).
- An attempt by one or more individuals to gain power over another.
- Physical: Hitting, kicking, pushing, destroying property.
- Verbal/Written: Threatening, name-calling, teasing, taunting.
- Social/Emotional: Terrorizing, spreading rumors, intimidating, humiliating, blackmailing, isolating.
- Cyber-bullying: Using technology to bully others verbally, emotionally and/or socially.
What Bullying is Not…
- Not liking someone.
- Accidentally bumping into someone.
- A single act of telling a joke about someone.
- Expression of unpleasant thoughts or feelings regarding others.
- Arguments or disagreements.
- Being excluded from a game or group on the playground (unless being done regularly and with intention to hurt the feelings of another).
- Isolated acts of harassment, aggressive behavior, intimidation or meanness.
Contact Information
If you have a complaint regarding student-to-student bullying, or need further information about the Bullying Prevention Policy please contact:
Chris Boyles
Principal
830 Greenley Road, Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-3159
cboyles@sesk12.org
Sonora Elementary School District is committed to addressing complaints promptly and equitably to ensure the rights and well-being of all members of our school community. We encourage open communication and collaboration to foster a safe and inclusive educational environment.
California Department of Education Bullying Prevention Resources