Bullying | BCISD Police Presentation

Bay City ISD Officers Lewis, Summers, and Mirelez, Jinx, and Mrs. Dodd presented a bullying lesson to 2nd through 5th grade classes on Tuesday during their PE time. Discussions included what bullying is and what it is not, new laws that went into affect this year that we wanted the students to be aware of, and how students and parents can report any cases of bullying. 

A few key points. 

Bullying

We discussed with the students what bullying is and what it is not. We talked about the affects that bullying can have on the victim and the bully. Did you know that students 10 and over can be charged with harassment if they continue to bully a student once they have been told to stop? At Cherry Elementary and BCISD,  our student's safety and happiness is top priority. We will not tolerate any kind of bullying and will take the necessary steps to discourage and stop any child from participating in or being a victim of bullying. 

Cyber Bullying

With the new law in affect, things that students do at home on their electronic devices can follow them to school. We talked with the students about David's law and the importance of appropriate behavior online. As our children become more aware of social media, we hope to continue to teach them ways to use it in a positive way and inform them of the consequences of misusing it. 

Referral Process

A copy of the referral paperwork can be found in your Student/Parent handbook or is available at the school if needed. Once a Reporting form is completed, the Counselor, Assistant Principal, or Principal will conduct an interview, notify parents of the victim and the accused bully, and proceed with an investigation to determine what took place. Consequences will be assigned when needed by the campus principals and the report will be filed with the district. 

How Can You Help

Have open discussions with your student about the way that they are treating their friends and other students in the classroom, at PE, the lunchroom, or outside at recess. We've talked with the students about the fact that we don't all have to be friends, but we DO have to be respectful to one another. If your child is having problems with other student, encourage them to be vocal about those problems with you, their teacher, the school counselor, or principal. It's helpful if they start with the adult that is nearby and if the issues continue, inform other adults of the issues. We want all of our Cherry students to be excited about coming to school and feel safe while they are here. 

Mrs. Hagg
Cherry School Counselor