Anti-Bullying Policy
The Prairie School of DuPage community is required by the Illinois State Board of Education to maintain, post, and enforce an anti-bullying policy. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and caring learning environment for all students, regardless of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, gender, or gender identity.
Social-emotional learning is a critical part of education and fundamental to how students learn about themselves and the world around them. All members of our community are expected to treat one another with kindness, empathy, and respect.
Definition: Bullying is a repeated pattern of behavior in which an individual intentionally hurts, frightens, threatens, excludes, or encourages others to hurt, frighten, threaten, or exclude another person. Bullying may be emotional, physical, verbal, or social in nature.
A student may engage in bullying behavior even if they are also a target of bullying by others. Bullying behaviors vary based on age and developmental level; therefore, teachers address bullying in age-appropriate ways within the classroom.
Students at Prairie School of DuPage are expected to help prevent bullying by:
Treating others with kindness and respect
Learning about what bullying is and is not through classroom discussions
Refusing to watch, laugh, or participate when witnessing bullying
Speaking up to a classmate engaging in bullying behavior or reporting concerns to a trusted adult
Teachers and staff at Prairie School of DuPage will work to prevent bullying and ensure student safety by:
Engaging students in regular classroom conversations about bullying
Listening to and supporting students who report concerns
Monitoring student interactions and watching for signs of bullying
Responding promptly and sensitively to reports of bullying
Following through on all reported incidents with students and parents
Reporting and Communication
Intervention, Communication, Warning, and Redirection
When a pattern of bullying behavior is observed, the teacher will intervene as appropriate, address the behavior in the moment when possible, and speak with the student to understand their actions. The teacher will reinforce why the behavior is harmful, encourage empathy, provide alternative strategies, and clearly explain expectations and consequences for continued behavior.
Student Reports
All student reports of bullying will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly to determine the scope and severity of the incident. Students are encouraged to report incidents they have witnessed, participated in, or experienced as soon as possible to a trusted adult, including a teacher, staff member, or parent.
Consequences will be determined only after a complete, fact-based assessment has been conducted and the Head of School has been notified.
Parent Notification
Parents or guardians of all students involved in a bullying incident will be notified. Families may be asked to meet with the Head of School and/or relevant staff members, including classroom teachers, as appropriate.
Parent Communication with School
Parents who hear reports of bullying involving their own child or another student are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher and/or the Head of School promptly. Anonymous reports may be submitted in writing via the school’s drop box; however, disciplinary action will not be taken based solely on anonymous information.
All reports will be fully investigated by the Head of School and teaching staff to understand the circumstances of each situation.
Documentation and Investigation
Teachers or staff supervising students during a bullying incident will complete an internal incident report within two school days and submit it to the Head of School. The Head of School, in collaboration with classroom teachers, will investigate the report within ten school days and notify parents of both the targeted student(s) and the student(s) responsible for the behavior.
Support for Targeted Students
Following a thorough assessment, faculty and staff will implement appropriate safety and support measures to restore a sense of trust and security for the targeted student(s). This may include changes to groupings, increased supervision, or other supports, with parents informed of any measures taken.
Referral to Professional Support Staff
When appropriate, the school may recommend or refer families to outside professional support services for additional assistance.
Prohibition of Retaliatory Actions
Retaliation against any individual who reports bullying or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited. Retaliation may include, but is not limited to, threats, intimidation, or exclusion.
Consequences for retaliation may include disciplinary action, restorative practices, and/or referral to appropriate administration or authorities. Knowingly making false reports of bullying may result in suspension, expulsion, or other corrective actions.
Dismissal
In cases of severe or repeated bullying behavior, a student may face dismissal from the school in accordance with the Prairie School of DuPage Dismissal Policy.
Recurring Behavioral Challenges
If a student demonstrates ongoing behavioral challenges, including but not limited to bullying, faculty will work collaboratively with the student, family, and any relevant professionals. Consistent communication between home and school is essential to supporting student success.
If any bullying or behavioral incidents involve violence or extreme disruption, the student may be sent home immediately while the situation is evaluated and next steps are determined.