Text Box: FREEDOM SCHOOL DISTRICT PUPIL SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION POLICY (Bullying Policy In Compliance With RSA 193-F) Objective It is the policy of the Freedom School District that its students have an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from student harassment, also known as bullying. The district will not tolerate unlawful harassment of any type and conduct that constitutes bullying as defined herein is prohibited by this Policy, in accordance with RSA 193-F. Definition “Bullying” for purposes of this policy is defined as insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal or physical in nature, which are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response from the student being treated in this manner. Bullying in violation of this policy may not rise to the level of unlawful harassment or discrimination under Title IX of the Education Acts of 1972, the Americans With Disabilities Act, Title VI, the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 or the district’s sexual harassment policy. Further, reporting may be required under New Hampshire’s Child Abuse Protection Act (RSA 169-C). Notice of Policy At the beginning of each school year, the Superintendent or designee shall, in writing, inform parents, legal guardians, or other persons responsible for the welfare of a pupil of the district’s pupil safety and violence prevention policy and the appeals process available at the local and state levels. Each District school shall provide notice to students and staff of this policy through appropriate references in the student and employee handbooks, or through other reasonable means. The Superintendent shall also make all contractors contracting with the District aware of this policy. 4. Reporting Requirements and Procedures Any student who believes he/she has been a victim of bullying shall report the alleged act to the building principal or the principal’s designee. If a student is more comfortable reporting the alleged act to a person other than the building principal, the student may contact any School District employee. Any school employee, or employee of a company under contract with the school or School District, who has witnessed or has reliable information that a pupil has been subjected to insults, taunts or challenges, whether verbal or physical in nature, which are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response that violates the school bullying policy shall report the incident to the principal, or designee. Any parent or other individual who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student has been the victim of bullying should report the incident to the student’s principal or designee. Upon receipt of a report of bullying, the principal or designee shall notify the Superintendent and within twenty-four hours forward a written report to the Superintendent of the incident and the principal’s or designee’s response to the incident. The Superintendent shall in turn notify the School Board of the incident. Additionally, the principal, or designee, shall by telephone and in writing by first-class mail, report the occurrence of any incident of bullying as defined by this policy to the parent or legal guardian of all pupils involved within 48 hours of the occurrence of such incident unless this requirement is waived by the superintendent when such a waiver is deemed to be in the best interests of the student. Any waiver granted shall be in writing and any such notification must be consistent with the student privacy rights under the applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).