In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, Hickman Mills C-1 Schools prohibits all forms of hazing, bullying and student intimidation. The district also prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying among or against students.

Hazing is defined as any activity, on or off school grounds, that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful, or disconcerting position for purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in any group, class organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level, student organization, or school-sponsored activity.

Bullying is defined as intimidation or harassment of a student or multiple students perpetrated by individuals or groups. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or damaging property; oral or written taunts, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats of retaliation for reporting such acts. Bullying may also include cyberbullying or cyber threats.

Cyberbullying is sending or posting harmful or cruel texts or images using the Internet or other digital communication devices. Cyber threats are online materials that threaten to raise concerns about violence against others, suicide or self-harm. Disciplinary consequences will be issued to anyone or any team found guilty of hazing. According to Missouri State statues, “consent” to hazing is not a defense.

School employees, substitutes or volunteers are expected to intervene to prevent student bullying, appropriately discipline the perpetrator, assist the victim and report the incident to the building principal or designee for further investigation and action. Any school employee, substitute or volunteer who witnesses or has firsthand knowledge of bullying of a student must report the incident to the building principal or designee as soon as possible, but no later than two school days after the incident.

Students who have been subjected to bullying, or who have witnessed or have knowledge of bullying, are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to a school employee. Any school employee receiving such a report shall promptly transmit the report to the building principal or designee.

Students participating in or encouraging inappropriate conduct will be disciplined in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct. Such discipline may include, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school and/or removal from participation in activities.

See Board Policy JFCF & JFCG

HMC-1 implemented a suicide awareness and prevention program at beginning of the 2018-19 school year for 5th-12th grade students, called Signs of Suicide (SOS). The SOS is a national school-based prevention program geared toward decreasing suicide and attempts, encouraging students to seek help, engaging parents and school staff, and developing community-based partnerships to support student mental health. Administering the SOS program has be a collaborative effort with district counselors and local mental health professionals.