At CMS, we are aware that bullying is very prevalent in today’s society. Students often act out in “joking” or “messing with” manners. What one person or group may define as joking, another may find offensive or hurtful. The National Center Against Bullying defines bullying as “an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behavior that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening”.

Our policy is that bullying will never be tolerated or condoned. We can not stop every possible instance of bullying. However, once we are made aware, every effort will be made to investigate, confront and address instances of bullying. Although the definition of bullying is subjective, Respect for the value of another person is expected, and will be considered in all cases involving suspected or perceived bullying.

Bullying reveals itself in a variety of forms, such as: physical contact, inappropriate words, ill intended comments, or threatening behavior. It can also be in the form of improper or mean spirited texts, inappropriate comments/pictures/videos or innuendoes of a sexual nature, racial comments or posts sent on various social media venues. Other examples include: disrespectful words or actions, as well as cursing or threatening remarks intended to insult or demean another individual, can be considered as bullying and are not acceptable. If after investigation it is deemed someone has acted as a bully or in a bullying manner, appropriate and severe consequences will be imposed as deemed necessary. PLEASE report any acts of bullying or rumors of bullying incidents to the principal, counselor, or teacher ASAP. Remember, we can’t fix what we don’t know. Reports of bullying will be kept confidential. See the article: “My child is being bullied…what can I do?” on the CMS Webpage for more info.