FVL seeks to maintain a safe learning and work environment that is free from bullying. Students, staff, and the school community are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, Christian manner and demonstrate a level of respect and dignity toward others. All forms of bullying are prohibited.
Bullying Definition
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. For FVL’s purposes, it takes place in the school, on school property, on the bus, or during any school event off campus. The FVL Administration also confronts cyberbullying, even though this behavior often occurs off campus. If FVL students or parents bring evidence of any type of social media/cyberbullying, the Dean of Student Life or Assistant Dean of Student Life will involve the FVL Police Liaison Officer and the parents. Examples of bullying are as follows:
- Verbal: name calling, put downs, racist remarks, teasing, threats, spreading rumors, sarcasm, sending inappropriate (violent, sexual, malicious, etc.) notes or pictures in any medium (in print, over a cell phone, or the internet, etc.)
- Physical: pushing, hitting, shoving, biting, hair pulling, scratching, spitting, tripping, damaging or stealing the victim’s property, locking a person in a room, making mean faces or rude gestures, initiating or forcing inappropriate touching, etc.
- Social: ostracism or exclusion, ignoring, being unfriendly, alienating, etc.
- Psychological: acts that instill a sense of fear or anxiety, etc. Any act that insults or demeans an individual in such a way as to cause distress, reluctance to attend school, a decline in work standards, or problem behaviors
- Cyberbullying: posting inappropriate pictures, use of vulgar or inappropriate language, spreading rumors/lies regarding other FVL students, or sharing information that may be true but should be treated as confidential in nature
Reporting of Bullying
Any bullying incident must be reported to a teacher, coach, staff member, or on FVL's bullying reporting app (STOPit) as soon as possible. All incidents will then be reported to the Dean of Student Life or Assistant Dean of Student Life, who will determine further action. We pray that our students will exercise positive leadership to prevent bullying from taking place.
UPDATED 5/01/2024