Understanding the difference between bullying and inappropriate peer interactions can be challenging. Bullying involves repeated, intentional harm where there is a power imbalance, while inappropriate verbal interactions—such as arguments, teasing, or one-time conflicts—may not always meet the definition of bullying.

All concerns are taken seriously and our schools work with all students involved to address behaviors, foster understanding, and promote a respectful school environment. Our goal is to ensure the conduct is addressed and to provide guidance and support our students so they can learn and grow.

When a report of bullying or other misconduct is made, we follow the process outlined in our district policy and procedure.

• We Investigate – this means gathering information from everyone involved, including students, staff, and any relevant witnesses.
• We Intervene – If there is a violation of school policy, we take action in accordance with our discipline matrix.
• We Support – We work with students and families to ensure those affected receive necessary support.

As a school district, our discipline policies must align with federal and state laws that apply to all students. If a student who is involved in a behavior incident receives special education services, we have additional legal responsibilities to ensure that their rights and needs are properly supported.

When a violation of our discipline policies occur, we meet with the student and their parent to ensure a clear understanding of why the conduct was a violation and we provide appropriate discipline, aligned with our discipline matrix.

Separate from the discipline process and dependent on the individual circumstances, the school may determine that the school-based threat assessment team should meet. This is considered when a student makes a threat or poses a threat to themselves or others.

While we cannot disclose specific disciplinary actions taken on a student who is not your child (due to student privacy laws), we can share that the school’s focus is ensuring that the situation is addressed and not repeated. Schools may share general steps taken and their disciplinary process without naming or detailing consequences for the other student(s). Parents can also be informed if the behavior was determined to be bullying or another type of misconduct from our discipline matrix.

Every student in our state has a legal right to a public education, and state laws limit when schools can use suspension or expulsion. The law emphasizes restorative practices and schools must take into account factors such as a student’s age and the nature of the incident. We focus on learning, accountability, and making things right. When a student returns, we work with the student and their parents to ensure safe and positive behavior moving forward.

Our schools work closely with our students and their families to identify what supportive measures should be provided, based on the individual circumstances of the incident. These may include:

• Developing a support plan
• Check-ins with a trusted staff member
• Counseling supports
• No-contact agreement with the involved student(s)
• Schedule adjustments to reduce contact with the involved student(s).

We encourage families to first work with their school principal, assistant principal or dean of students to resolve their concerns. This is often the fastest way to resolve a problem. If the problem is still not resolved, parents are encouraged to reach out to our district team for support.

Susanne Beauchaine, Executive Director of HR and Safety
Compliance coordinator for issues related to bullying, harassment and discrimination.
sbeauchaine@steilacoom.k12.wa.us or 253-983-2222

If a student is accused of bullying or misconduct, we conduct a fair and thorough investigation. We investigate, intervene and support. Our goal is to ensure a safe environment for all students while fostering accountability and positive behavior.