Blue Ridge Montessori School

Anti Bullying Policy

 


As defined by Va. Code Ann. § 22.1-276.01 (2018)

"Bullying" means 

  • any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; 

  • AND involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; 

  • AND is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. 

"Bullying" includes cyberbullying. 

"Bullying" does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.

Blue Ridge Montessori School does not take the issue of bullying lightly. When a report of bullying is made, BRMS administration team will work with the teachers of the students involved to investigate the situation and determine if bullying is taking place. If it is determined that bullying is occurring, the administration will work alongside the teachers and families of students involved to come up with a plan of action. The student who is bullying will be required to meet with teachers and administration to go over the action plan. The consequences of bullying situations are handled on a case-by-case basis. 

The school will make reasonable efforts to keep a report of bullying and the results of the investigation confidential.

Staff who witness acts of bullying shall take immediate steps to intervene when safe to do so. People witnessing or experiencing bullying are strongly encouraged to report the incident; such reporting will not reflect on the target or witnesses in any way.

Blue Ridge Montessori School also recognizes that children of all ages engage in age-appropriate social conflict with their peers that often does not align with what is considered bullying by definition. These instances are not considered bullying by BRMS and are managed differently than bullying incidents.

Students at Blue Ridge Montessori School are expected to treat all students and staff with kindness and respect. When a student is involved in conflict with a peer, students are expected to take responsibility for their wrongdoing and work to rectify the situation.