Report Bullying

Ritenour teachers and staff have been trained to take student reports of bullying and process those reports through the office as quickly as possible. In 2017, the district instituted a new policy that allows students and parents to initiate reports and have them processed directly to the school office, as well. Print the Bullying Report Form here. While these forms offer an outlet for students and parents to help address bullying, we always encourage families to contact their school office directly for assistance. Thank you for helping to make the Ritenour School District a safe place for students.  

What is bullying? A student is being bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more students. 

Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical action, including violence, gestures, theft, or property damage; oral, written, or electronic communications, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.

  Questions to ask if you are unsure if bullying has occurred:  

• Is it intimidating, unwanted aggressive behavior or harassment?
• Is it repetitive or substantially likely to be repeated?
• Does the student fear for his/her physical safety or property?
• Is the student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits interfered with because of the bullying? 

Bullying Awareness Tips for Parents
Parents have a huge role to play in making sure their student contributes to a safe environment at school. Ritenour school counselors put together a list of ways parents can help out if they witness signs of bullying:

• Whether you think your child is being bullied or is bullying others, always reach out to the school so your school counselor can talk with you and your student.
• Understand the difference between bullying and conflict. Conflict among peers is developmentally appropriate and can be problem-solved. Not every conflict fits the definition of bullying. 
• Encourage students to be assertive, to report to adults, to rescue and defend those that are bullied, and to be accepting of others who may be different from them.
• Openly talk to your students about what goes on at school on a regular basis. If the lines of communication are open for small things, students are more likely to turn to parents when there is a problem.
• Get involved in your students’ activities outside of school whenever possible. It will boost their confidence and can establish strong friendships outside of school.
• Have ongoing conversations with your children about bullying, including what bullying looks like and what your student can do to intervene or get help.