The Wellpinit School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and patrons. Our District strives to be free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. If you have any questions or concerns about bullying please contact School Counselor, Ellen Schwannecke @ 509-258-4535, ext. 2196.

Bullying is when a person is exposed to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending him or herself. Bullying can be a one time event, although it is often a repeated behavior. Bullying is an intentional, negative act. Bullying involves a power imbalance. Bullying in an unacceptable behaivor, which results in someone feeling hurt, threatened or frightened. This can be physical or verbal and includes hitting, teasing and intimidation. Bullying can be damaging a person's property, spreading rumors, or socially excluding someone. It also includes sexual, racial, and disability harassment. This also applies to cyber bullying.

It is the right of every person in the Wellpinit School District to be safe from physical and verbal harassment or bullying. Our school is committed to ensure that every member of our school community enjoys the right to participate in school life at its fullest. All instances of harassment or bullying violate that right and are totally unacceptable. To help us accomplish this goal the Wellpinit School District is now using the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.

The principals of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program are as follows:

1. Warm, positive interest and involvement on the part of the adults in school.

2. Firm limits are set on unacceptable behavior.

3. Consistent use of non-physical, non-hostile negative consequences when rules are broken.

4. Adults in the school should function as authorities and positive role models.

The School Bullying Rules are:

1. We will not bully others.

2. We will try to help students who are bullied.

3. We will try to include students who are left out.

4. If we know someone is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school or at home.

MS/HS Counselor, Ellen Schwannecke @ 509-258-4535, ext 2196.

Elementary Counselor, Mihoko Patterson @ 509-258-4535, ext. 3301

For more information see WSD Policies/Procedures 3207 & 5011