Dear Parents,

The staff of Oakdale School is committed to providing a safe, secure, and healthy environment that allows all students to maximize their learning potential. We believe in working together with parents to combat bullying. We know this problem isn’t confined to school grounds. Bullying at school affects and is affected by what happens at home between siblings, what happens in the neighborhood, and what happens when kids go online. We want to work together to take immediate action, whether a child bullies, is a victim of bullying, or is a witness to bullying.

What is bullying?

Bullying is deliberate or intentional behavior using words or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation or harm. This behavior may include but is not limited to physical and verbal assaults, nonverbal or emotional threats or intimidation, harassment, social exclusion and isolation, extortion, use of computer or telecommunications to send messages that are embarrassing, slanderous, threatening or intimidating (cyber-bullying).

What resources are available to report bullying?

Our district has adopted a new anonymous online bully reporting tool available on our website through a company called CatapultEMS. To report a bullying incident (anonymously or not), look for the ”Help Us Stay Safe” button. You can fill out an online form that will be sent directly to our Bully Response Team for investigation and resolution. We also have hard copies of bully reporting forms in the office. 

What can parents do?

To be most effective, bullying prevention efforts are the shared responsibility of parents, staff, and the community. As parents, you can:

• Convince the child who has been the target of a bully that he/ she is not at fault.
• Work with the school staff to address a bullying problem. Ask for a meeting that includes the child’s teacher, the school principal, and/or the school counselor to resolve the problem.
• Teach the child to be assertive without striking out.

Oakdale School staff members are committed to creating an emotionally, socially, and physically safe environment while fostering positive relationships with staff, students, and families. Any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us. (916) 566-1910