In order to provide a physically safe and emotionally secure environment for all students and staff, it is the goal of Waterford Elementary to foster a positive school climate. A positive school climate is one that evokes non-violence, cooperation, teamwork, understanding, and acceptance towards all students and staff during school hours, as well as to and from the school environment. Part of fostering a positive school climate involves the elimination of all types of harassment, intimidation, and bullying that might occur between students and/or groups of students. The Ohio Revised Code (ORC3313.666) defines “harassment, intimidation or bullying” as “any intentional written, verbal or physical act that a student has exhibited toward another particular student more than once, and the behavior both (1) causes mental or physical harm to the other student; (2) is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student.”

Cyber-bullying is any or all of the above prohibited behaviors as perpetrated with computers, cellular phones, internet websites, and or any other electronic device. The above behaviors are prohibited on school property and at school events, and the prohibition is not limited to where the cyber-bullying originates, but also includes the point to which it is communicated. Students exhibiting such behaviors are subject to discipline as deemed appropriate by the principal. Please make sure School Administration (i.e. the Principal) is notified personally if a student is being harassed or bullied, so that she may take action immediately.