Bullying Policy
The Granite School District Board of Education has an approved policy which recognizes that “bullying, hazing, harassment and intimidation greatly reduce a student’s…ability to achieve. In addition bullying, hazing, harassment and intimidation can directly affect a student’s…health and well-being, contributing to negative consequences in both academic and personal areas.” To view the entire “Prohibition of Bullying and Hazing” policy, click here.
Don’t Stand By . . . Be an Ally! Program
The Granite School District encourages each student to be an ally to others who may be experiencing bullying. Research has shown that fifty percent of all bullying incidents stop simply by having an ally speak up and tell the bully to stop. Granite employs a team of prevention specialists who train students at all grade levels how to become an ally to other students who need help. These specialists also provide follow-up materials to the schools to help reinforce the concepts taught as part of our ongoing effort to create a culture in which students will not stand by while others are being harmed in any way.
Support Staff
School Social Workers and Psychologists are assigned to every elementary and secondary school in Granite School District. School Counselors are assigned to every secondary school. Social Workers, Counselors and Psychologists are able to respond to bullying incidents with a variety of individualized supports, group interventions and techniques:
- Individual counseling
- Small group counseling
- Ongoing support and consultation for students (i.e. “check-ins”)
- Classroom social competency instruction
- Assemblies and special programs that address bullying, bystanders, school climate, etc.
- District and school speaker forums, educational groups, weekly bulletins, in-school news announcements, etc.
- Referrals to community resources
Buddy Box
The Granite School District has provided a way for all students to anonymously report bullying incidents. A locked “Buddy Box” has been purchased and placed in a secure location in each elementary and secondary school. Students were introduced to the Buddy Boxes, and told that they were able to report incidents of physical aggression, verbal aggression, hate speech, cyber bullying, harassment, etc. Buddy Box forms are placed next to the Buddy Box. Students are able to note whether they want to be contacted by an adult or if they wish to remain anonymous. Weekly elementary/secondary student “announcements” regarding Buddy Box usage were provided to the schools, which may be read as public announcements, placed on school bulletin boards, or in school newspapers as desired. Posters regarding the Buddy Box were also provided. At each school, the principal, or the principal’s designee, is responsible for following up and responding to the forms the students placed in the Buddy Box.
Hot Line
Granite School District has a special HOTLINE. If students are aware of a dangerous situation involving a weapon or bullying they are encouraged to call the District’s Hotline: CALL 801-481-7199 or TEXT: 801-664-2929. ALL CONTACTS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.