·Communicate to the harasser that the individual expects the behavior to stop, if the individual is comfortable doing so. If the individual wants assistance communicating with the harasser, the individual should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.
·If the harassment does not stop, or the individual does not feel comfortable confronting the harasser, the individual should:
-- tell a teacher, counselor or principal; and
-- write down exactly what happened, keep a copy and give another copy to the teacher, counselor or principal including;
o what, when and where it happened;
o who was involved;
o exactly what was said or what the harasser did;
o witnesses to the harassment;
o what the student said or did, either at the time or later;
o how the student felt; and
o how the harasser responded.
Students are often reluctant to report these incidents to adults at school because they don't want to be a "snitch." The irony is that bullies are counting on students to have this attitude. They want to keep their victims feeling isolated and alone. Telling someone can be the most effective way to stop a bully. As I said last week, just because a student reports something doesn't mean it will be a founded case of bullying. But telling an adult at school can help set in motion a process for resolving the conflict.
Don't forget about Parent/Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 18 and Monday, October 22 from 4-8 p.m. each day. High school conferences are walk-in conferences. We'd like students to accompany their parents/guardians to conferences if possible. Be sure to stop in the High School Office when you first arrive at conferences to pick up a copy of your child's 1st Quarter Report Card.