Anti-Bullying Initiative at WBMS 

 

Western Branch Middle School is committed to being a bully-free zone. To this end, we have created two programs to ensure that each day all students feel safe both emotionally and physically.  

One program is WBM’s Safe School Ambassador program. This program trains its members with non-violent communication skills to stop all types of bullying – verbal, written, threats, physical and cyberbullying.  Another program we have at WBM in helping to keep us a bully-free zone is our Be a STAR (Show Tolerance and Respect) club.  This club actively engages students in dialogues about cultural diversity and tolerance.  It teaches students how they can identify bullying and take actions to stop and/or report it.

In addition to our school’s anti-bullying initiatives, WBMS will continue to follow Chesapeake Public Schools Bullying Initiative.

 

Chesapeake Public Schools Bullying Initiative

Chesapeake Public Schools will not tolerate any type of bullying, including cyber bullying, even if it occurs outside of school on equipment not owned by Chesapeake Public Schools. Students engaged in bullying behaviors will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and/or a recommendation for expulsion. Incidents in which the behavior is believed to constitute criminal activity will also be referred to the proper law enforcement officials. 

While bullying can involve a single, severe behavior, bullying usually is defined as repeated negative behaviors intended to frighten or cause harm that may include, but are not limited to verbal, written, or electronic (virtual) threats or physical harm. 

A student, either individually or as a part of a group, shall not harass or bully others. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to physical intimidation, taunting, name-calling, insults, false statements about other persons, and any combination of prohibited activities. Prohibited conduct also includes verbal conduct consisting of comments regarding the race, gender, religion, physical abilities or characteristics or associates of the targeted person.