Author: ramacciottik

Examples of behaviors that can be considered harassment:

Name calling
Sexual gestures with hands, body or eyes
Pulling at another person’s clothing
Threats of any sort
Touching, pinching, grabbing
Asking to have sex
Cornering/leaning over/following
Making out (kissing/hugging/touching) in a public place (hallway, gym) where it can be seen
Pressuring for dates
Telling dirty jokes
Swearing
Sexual pictures/cartoons-including revealing photos in lockers or binders
Rating appearances on a scale of 1 to 10
Comments about body/weight/clothing or other physical characteristics
Offensive t-shirts, hats, pins or revealing clothing
Graffiti
Suggestive whistles
Kissing sounds/cat calls
Sending unwanted notes, letters, emails,
Intentionally excluding someone from activities
Racial or gender characterization

Harassment affects Individuals!
Physical Effects
Stress-related symptoms like:
Acne
Changes in body weight
Colds/sore throat
Dependence on alcohol/drugs
Headaches, stomach or back aches
Illness
Loss of appetite
Sleep disturbance
Ulcers

Emotional Effects
Anger/irritability
Anxiety/worry/fear
Confusion
Depression
Isolation/withdrawal
Embarrassment/humiliation
Low self-esteem/ self-doubt
Mood swings
STRESS

Effects on School Performance
Absenteeism/tardiness/truancy
Drop in quality of school work
Lack of concentration
Loss of trust in the educational system

Pine Lake Middle School is a
Harassment
Free Zone

Mission Statement:
The Issaquah School District is committed to maintaining an environment that is safe and welcoming for all students… one that is free from racial,
sexual, and other forms of
harassment.

Harassment
The Issaquah School District is committed to a safe and civil environment for all students, employees, volunteers and parents, free from harassment, intimidation or bullying.

Harassment is defined as:
Any intentional written, verbal or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability when the act:
Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
**Harassment is any unwelcome behavior that continues after you’ve told the person to stop.
The intent of the person doing the harassment makes no difference whatsoever, the person on the receiving end is the one who decides whether the behavior is offensive. It’s the victim’s perception that counts.

Procedures for Resolution
If you have been a target of Harassment:
Tell the Harasser to Stop! Say “no” or “stop” in a loud, clear voice.
Tell an adult. Do not engage in equally aggressive behavior in action or speech as a way to defend yourself. If it happens in the classroom, tell your teacher. If it happens in a common area (hallway, lunch room etc.), tell the nearest adult.
If you’ve told the harasser to stop and the harassment continues, go to the counseling center and file a harassment report form.
Any student who feels that he or she has been subjected to harassment by another student has an obligation to report the
alleged harassment promptly.

Commitment of Response
School Staff will always respond to oral or
written reports of harassment.
Support of ALL individuals involved will include a timely, fair, respectful investigation

Consequences for harassing
behaviors will include
1st offense:
Counselor meets with the harasser and educates him/her about the district’s harassment policy. Usually a warning is issued.
2nd offense:
Assistant Principal meets with the harasser. Disciplinary actions/consequences can be significant: major infraction issued, parents contacted, possible in-school suspension.
3rd Offense:
Parents contacted, out of school suspension, and/or a referral made to an outside agency for recommended counseling, or law
enforcement for criminal action.
Both Issaquah School District policy and state law prohibit retaliation against individuals who report harassment.