Bullying Policy
UT Tyler University Academy aims to provide a learning environment free from bullying. The district and schools support this goal through the establishment of clear procedures for reporting and response, age appropriate student instruction, staff development and family involvement. The district's code of values, character education program, behavior management procedures and current prevention plan constitute a comprehensive approach to the establishment and maintenance of a supportive and safe learning environment.
From the Student Handbook:
BULLYING (All Grade Levels)
Bullying refers to a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that
- has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property;
- is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student;
- materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or
- infringes on the rights of the victim at school. Bullying includes cyberbullying.
This conduct is considered bullying if it exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator(s) and the student victim and if it interferes with a student’s education or substantially disrupts the operation of the school. Bullying is prohibited by the district and could include hazing, threats, taunting, teasing, confinement, assault, demands for money, destruction of property, theft of valued possessions, name-calling, rumor-spreading, or ostracism. In some cases, bullying can occur through electronic methods, called “cyberbullying.”
If a student believes that he or she has experienced bullying or has witnessed bullying of another student, it is important for the student or parent to notify a teacher, campus Director, or another district employee as soon as possible to obtain assistance and intervention. The administration will investigate any allegations of bullying or other related misconduct. If the results of an investigation indicate that bullying has occurred, the administration will take appropriate disciplinary action. Disciplinary or other action may be taken even if the conduct did not rise to the level of bullying. The district will also contact the parents of the victim and of the student who was found to have engaged in the bullying. Available counseling options will be provided to these individuals, as well as to any students who have been identified as witnesses to the bullying. Any retaliation against a student who reports an incident of bullying is prohibited.
A copy of the district’s policy is available in the campus Director’s office, Superintendent’s office, and on the district’s website, and is included at the end of this handbook in the form of an appendix. Procedures related to reporting allegations of bullying may also be found on the district’s website. A student or parent who is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation may appeal through [policy 300.120 Grievance Process].
STOPit! App
UT Tyler University Academy utilizes the STOPit app, a reporting tool that allows students, parents, teachers, and others an anonymous
safe way to report inappropriate behaviors, communicate concerns with administrators,
and document all incidents. Users can communicate anonymously with school administrators
through the STOPit Messenger feature.
How to use STOPit to make a report:
- Access STOPit through the app or online link.
- Students on school issued devices have the STOPit app located on the dock tool bar.
- Students on personal devices and logged into Chrome can access STOPit from their UTTUA bookmarks.
- Download the app to your phone and search by school name.
- Access onlne and search by school name.
- Follow the prompts and answer the questions to submit your report.
- You may upload images and videos as supporting evidence.
- When a report is submitted, school administration (director or assigned staff) will be notified.
- After a report is submitted, the campus administrator will begin an investigation. The administrator may follow up with further questions using the anonymous 2-way messaging system Be sure to check back on the STOPit app in case there are additional questions from the administrator.
Parents and/or students who abuse the STOPit program will be disabled as users and/or face consequences in accordance with the parent/student code of conduct.
Refer to the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan or a UT Tyler University Academy Administrator for additional information.