Skamania School District is committed to providing a safe educational environment for all students. We work with our staff to make sure that all reported incidents of bullying are fully investigated, and that support is provided to students who experience bullying, as well as interventions to help students accused of bullying understand the impact their words and actions can have.
Students, parents, or other community members who are concerned about bullying can utilize the school district’s harassment, intimidation, and bullying report form (linked below), part of board policy 3207 to report incidents and to make sure that students receive the care they need. All staff are trained on using and following the guidance set in this policy each school year.
Fill out the harassment, intimidation, and bullying report form >
For information about OSPI and district policy on discrimination, sexual harassment, complaint procedures, and gender-inclusive schools, see below.
Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it. What is HIB? HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that: ● Physically harms another student or damages their property; ● Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or, ● Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students. HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools. How can I make a report or complaint about HIB? Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB (https://skamaniaschooldistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Incident-Reporting-Form.pdf) but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can be made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report. If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer – Katie Chavarria 509-427-8239 – that supports prevention and response to HIB. What happens after I make a report about HIB? If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation. Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation. What is the investigation process? When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response. When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include: ● A summary of the results of the investigation ● A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated ● Any corrective measures or remedies needed OSPI Model Student Handbook Language | March 2024