Bullying & Harassment
The PCM Community School District is committed to providing a safe environment for students and staff. Therefore, the district takes all concerns about bullying or harassment seriously. All complaints will be dealt with in a timely manner.
To effectively address bullying and harassment in our district, it is critical that parents, students, and community members work together with school staff. This page will provide parents, students, and staff information and resources to help us prevent, respond to and reduce bullying and harassment in the PCM District.
Anti-Bullying & Anti-Harassment Board Policies
Informal Complaint
Formal Complaint
Iowa's Anti-Bullying Legislation
Iowa Code 280.28 defines bullying and harassment as the following:
“Harassment” and “bullying” shall mean any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student based on the individual’s actual or perceived age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status, and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:
- Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or property.
- Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s physical or mental health.
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s academic performance.
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
“Trait or characteristic of the student” includes but is not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.
PCM Bullying & Harassment Plan
(23-24 School Year)
All building administrators, equity coordinators and guidance counselors will complete Level I investigation training at least once every three years to ensure investigations are done thoroughly.
All staff will be provided with annual training on bullying and harassment prevention, identification and response strategies at the beginning of the school year.
The district website will be updated with resources to support parents, students and staff.
October will be designated as Bullying Awareness Month. Guidance counselors, SEL Leads and district and building leadership will use this opportunity to promote awareness and educate students, staff, parents and community members about our prevention strategies.
Each building administrator and leadership team will ensure bullying prevention strategies and proper investigation procedures are in place and followed consistently. The district Superintendent will monitor to ensure compliance.
Students, staff and parents will know how to report bullying incidents. Handbooks and the district website will include this information to ensure accessibility. A brochure/flyer may also be disseminated.
*This plan will be reviewed and revised annually by SIAC, district leaders, and the PCM Board of Education.
Retaliation
The district expressly prohibits retaliation against anyone who repots, files, or otherwise participates in a complaint or investigation into bullying, harassment, or sexual harassment. If found, any students or employees who engage in retaliation will be promptly disciplined.
The district's Equity Coordinator is Jeremy Swink, Activities Director. This person is responsible for ensuring that the district investigates and resolves claims of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment. Mr. Swink may be contacted at [email protected] or 515-994-8222.
Athletic Eligibility of Students Open Enrolling due to Bullying & Harassment
On April 7, 2016 House File 2264 signed into law by Governor Branstad allows the following exception to ninety day ineligibility for participation in athletic competitions for students open enrolling:
“… if the district of residence determines that the pupil was previously subject to a founded incident of harassment or bullying as defined in section 280.28 while attending school in the district of residence.”
This means any student will be immediately eligible for varsity athletic competitions if the resident district has determined that the student exercising open enrollment was subject to a founded incident of harassment or bullying as defined by Iowa Code section 280.28.
Guidance on Varsity Athletic Eligibility of Students Open Enrolling due to Bullying and Harassment
Online Resources
It is the policy of the PCM Community School District not to discriminate in educational programs and employment practices on the basis of: race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs). There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact or submit the grievance form to the district's Equity Coordinator (for programs) or the Superintendent (for employment) at:
400 E. Hwy 163, PO Box 610
Monroe, IA 50170
or call 641-259-2315