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Peters Township School District

Dedicated to Excellence

Bullying/Harassment Reporting

Bullying/Harassment Prevention & Reporting

We believe that preventing bullying is a shared responsibility and a vital part of creating a safe, supportive learning environment for every child. Working together, parents and schools can build strong lines of communication, reinforce positive behaviors, and address concerns early. We are committed to partnering with families to promote kindness and respect, ensuring that all students feel valued. By staying connected and proactive, we can make our schools a place where every child thrives.

Peters Township has taken a proactive approach to fostering a positive school climate across all grade levels, helping students of all ages develop strong, healthy habits. While we recognize that our community, like others across the country, is not immune to instances of negative behavior, we are committed to building a framework that promotes early reporting and timely intervention to ensure District children have a safe and welcoming school environment where students can learn and thrive, and to prevent the long-term harm that bullying can cause.

Students have the opportunity to learn how to build positive relationships with their classmates, through programs such as:

  • HERO: A school-wide positive behavior support system focused around the ideals of Helping Everyone Respect Others, grades K-5
  • Best Buddies: Clubs connecting students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, grades K-12
  • LEAD: Leadership, Education, Accountability and Direction assembly which helps to educate middle level aged students about the risks of social media and alcohol/drug use while inspiring change and showing them how to achieve their goals, grade 7
  • Student Ambassadors: Program empowers selected students to represent their school, lead peer engagement activities, and promote a positive, inclusive campus culture, grades 7-12
  • Partners in P.E. – Physical Education course that offers students the opportunity to assist and build partnerships with special needs students and those with medical restrictions, helping them engage in P.E. activities, grades 10-12
  • Unified Sports: Bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams for sports training and competition, grades 9-12

Below you will find information on the District policies related to bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and Title IX sexual harassment, as well as a list of frequently asked questions on these topics. This page also includes information on how issues may be reported and the necessary paperwork to be completed when formal reports or complaints are made to the District.

  • Parents can assist the District by:

    • Talking regularly about kindness, respect, and safe online behavior
    • Modeling empathy and positive problem-solving
    • Monitoring digital activity and social media use
    • Reporting concerns early – even minor incidents can escalate

    Together, families and schools can maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students.

    • Policy 249 (Bullying/Cyberbullying): Protects students from repeated or intentional acts of harm, intimidation, or exclusion by others, whether in person or online.
    • Policy 103 (Nondiscrimination/Harassment/Title IX Sexual Harassment): Prohibits harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics. Title IX sexual harassment refers to conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile, intimidating, or abusive educational environment.

    Together, these policies promote an environment where all students feel safe, respected, and valued.

  • What counts as bullying (Policy 249)?

    Bullying is verbal or physical conduct directed at another student or students that is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it interferes with the student’s education, creates an objectively threatening environment or disrupts school operations. It can include:

    • Physical bullying: hitting, pushing, tripping, or taking belongings
    • Verbal bullying: teasing, name-calling, or threats
    • Social bullying: spreading rumors or excluding someone
    • Cyberbullying: sending hurtful messages, sharing private photos, or posting mean comments online

    Bullying often involves an imbalance of power, such as popularity, physical strength, or social status.

     

    What is cyberbullying?

    Cyberbullying occurs through phones, computers, or social media and may include:

    • Sending or posting threatening or hurtful messages
    • Sharing embarrassing photos or videos
    • Pretending to be someone else online
    • Excluding or humiliating someone in group chats or gaming platforms

    Cyberbullying is considered a school issue when it affects learning or creates a hostile school environment, even if it happens off-campus.

     

    What is harassment (Policy 103)?

    Harassment is a form of discrimination targeting another person because of a protected trait. Harassment must be severe, persistent, or pervasive such that it creates an objectively threatening or hostile environment that interferes or deprives the victim of access to their educational environment. 

    It can include:

    • Verbal or written comments about race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin
    • Offensive jokes, slurs, or insults
    • Threatening gestures or physical intimidation
    • Sharing offensive images or material

    Harassment may happen once if it is severe or repeatedly over time.  

     

    What is Title IX Sexual Harassment?

    Title IX Sexual Harassment is addressed under Federal law and is sexual harassment that a reasonable person would find to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to a District education program or activity. It can include:

    • Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors
    • Sexual comments, jokes, or gestures
    • Sexual assault or dating violence

    Title IX requires the school to investigate allegations promptly and fairly, provide support to the student who experienced harassment, and prevent retaliation.  Investigation Note: If law enforcement or the police become involved, the District will pause its investigation until the criminal investigation is completed. This ensures that the police investigation is not disrupted. The school will resume its investigation afterward and provide appropriate support to the students in the interim.

     

    What is the Bullying/Harassment/Discrimination Investigation Process for like following a report?

    All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly:

    1. Report Received: Can be in person, in writing, or via email.
    2. Preliminary Review: Determines whether the incident qualifies as bullying, harassment, or Title IX sexual harassment.
    3. Fact-Finding:
      • Interviews with students and witnesses
      • Collection of digital or physical evidence
      • Notification to parents/guardians
    4. Determination & Action:
      • Findings are documented
      • Appropriate interventions are applied (counseling, restorative support, or disciplinary action)
    5. Follow-Up:
      • Targeted students are checked for safety and well-being
      • Retaliation is strictly prohibited

    Confidentiality is maintained as much as possible.


    The Title IX sexual harassment investigation follows a mandated federal process.  This process is explained in the Administrative Regulations 2 and 3, which attached to Policy 103. The District’s Title IX Coordinator and Principals will work directly with students and families throughout this process.  

     

    What are the possible consequences if confirmed?

    Consequences vary depending on severity and may include:

    • Counseling or behavior interventions
    • Loss of privileges or participation in activities
    • Class or schedule adjustments
    • Detention, suspension, or other disciplinary measures

    The goal is to stop the behavior, repair harm, and support all students involved.

     

    What protections exist against retaliation?

    The district strictly prohibits retaliation against any student who reports bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, or participates in an investigation.

    This means:

    • Students who report in good faith will not be punished
    • Students who participate as witnesses are protected
    • Retaliation itself is a violation of district policy and may result in disciplinary action

    If you or your child experience retaliation, report it immediately to a trusted school official.

     

    How long does a bullying, harassment, or discrimination investigation take?

    Most investigations are completed within 20 school days from the time the concern is reported. This is the district’s standard timeline for preparing the written investigative report. In some cases, more time may be needed—for example, if key witnesses are absent, if multiple interviews are required, or if the situation is complex. If the timeline needs to be extended, the district will notify families and explain the reason for the delay. Throughout the process, the school provides supportive measures to help keep students safe. 

     

    What about Title IX sexual harassment investigations?
     If the concern involves Title IX sexual harassment, the District follows federal rules for a formal investigation. This investigation process will take longer than 20 days. If the police are involved, the school’s investigation will pause until the law enforcement work is finished. Families will be updated during the process, and the school continues to provide support to protect students throughout the investigation. (See AR-2 and AR-3 for Policy 103)

  • Students should report any bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or sexual harassment immediately to a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor, or principal).

    Parents and students can report Title IX concerns to Mr. Adam Sikorski, Title IX Coordinator, at the District Office, to a principal or other trusted adult.

    When submitting a report, include specific details:

    • Full names of students involved
    • Date, time, and location of the incident
    • Description of what happened
    • Witnesses or evidence (texts, screenshots, photos)

    Detailed reports help staff respond quickly and effectively.