Bullying Prevention & Response Plan
Purpose & Commitment
Sycamore CUSD 427 is committed to providing every student with a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment free from bullying, intimidation, and harassment. Bullying disrupts learning, negatively impacts student well-being, and contradicts our district’s mission: Empowering all learners to succeed in their world.
This plan outlines Sycamore’s prevention systems, reporting processes, investigation procedures, supports, and continuous improvement structures, consistent with Board Policy 7:180 and Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/27-23.7).
Legal Requirements
In accordance with Public Act 95-0349, Sycamore CUSD 427 maintains a bullying prevention policy that is created, reviewed, and filed with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) on a biennial basis. This law, enacted on August 23, 2007, requires all school districts to:
- File a bullying prevention policy with ISBE and update it every two years.
- Annually communicate the district’s bullying policy to students and their parents/guardians.
- Ensure the student discipline policy provides interventions for students displaying aggressive or high-risk behaviors, including bullying as defined in district policy.
- Maintain clear procedures for parent/guardian notifications and for implementing early interventions using available district or community-based supports.
Sycamore CUSD 427 adheres to these statutory mandates and integrates them into a broader commitment to fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive schools.
Consistent with Board Policy 7:180, nothing in this Bullying Prevention & Response Plan is intended to restrict any student’s right to exercise free expression or the free exercise of religious views as protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution or Section 3 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution.
Definition of Bullying
Sycamore CUSD 427 uses the definition of bullying detailed in Board Policy 7:180. Bullying includes any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including written or electronic communication, that:
- Places a student in reasonable fear of harm to self or property;
- Has a substantially detrimental impact on mental or physical health;
- Interferes with academic performance; or
- Limits a student’s ability to participate in school programs, services, or activities.
Cyberbullying, harassment, threats, physical aggression, public humiliation, stalking, sexual harassment, and retaliation are all examples of behaviors that may constitute bullying.
Prevention Framework
Sycamore 427 prioritizes prevention before intervention and uses a multi-tiered system of supports to promote positive school climate.
A. Schoolwide Behavioral Expectations
Each school implements clear, positively stated expectations taught and reinforced through:
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Schoolwide behavior matrices
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Classroom lessons
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Visual reminders and common language
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Positive reinforcement systems
B. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Consistent with Board Policy 6:65 Student Social and Emotional Development, SEL instruction includes:
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Self-awareness and self-management
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Empathy, relationship skills, and conflict resolution
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Responsible decision-making
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Digital citizenship
C. Staff Training
All school personnel receive annual training on:
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Bullying definitions and legal requirements
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Reporting responsibilities
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Trauma-informed practices
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Restorative responses
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Maintaining student confidentiality
D. Student Education & Awareness
Students receive instruction and communication on:
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What bullying is and is not
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How to seek help
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Bystander expectations (especially safe intervention)
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Cyberbullying awareness and digital behavior
Programs may include classroom lessons, advisory activities, school assemblies, and counselor-led instruction.
Report Bullying
A. Encouraging Reporting
Students, staff, and families are encouraged to report bullying as soon as possible. Reports may be oral or written and may be made to:
- Building Principal or Assistant Principal
- Dean of Students
- Nondiscrimination Coordinator
- Title IX Coordinator
- Complaint Managers
- Any staff member the student trusts
B. Anonymous Reporting
Sycamore CUSD 427 accepts anonymous reports of bullying. While anonymous reports cannot result in discipline unless corroborated, they allow the district to provide support, monitor situations, and initiate problem-solving steps.
- Anonymous Bullying Report Telephone Line: (815) 899-8103
- Online Reporting Form
C. Protection Against Retaliation
Retaliation for reporting bullying is strictly prohibited. Students who knowingly make false accusations will be subject to consequences aligned to Board Policy 7:180.
D. Good-Faith Reporting
Students who report bullying in good faith or who participate in an investigation will not be subject to disciplinary action, even if the investigation determines no bullying occurred. Students who knowingly make false accusations or provide false information may face consequences in accordance with Board Policy 7:180 and 7:190.
Response & Investigation Procedures
A. Initial Response
Upon receiving a report, administration will:
- Acknowledge receipt to the reporter (when known).
- Assess immediate safety concerns.
- Notify parents/guardians of all involved students within 24 hours, in compliance with state law.
B. Formal Investigation
The Superintendent or designee ensures that investigations:
- Begin promptly and are completed within 10 school days, unless new information extends the timeline.
- Include interviews with students, witnesses, staff, and others as needed.
- Consider physical, digital, and written evidence.
- Involve staff with training in bullying prevention and investigation.
C. Determination & Notification
Once the investigation is completed, administration will:
- Determine whether the behavior meets the definition of bullying.
- Inform the parents/guardians of involved students of the findings.
- Meet with families to explain actions taken (as allowed by privacy laws).
D. Supports & Interventions
Supports may include:
- Counseling or social-work support
- School psychological services
- Restorative conversations or conferences
- Safety plans
- Check-in/check-out
- Skill-building interventions
- Community-based resources, when appropriate
Consequences for bullying will follow Board Policy 7:190 (Student Behavior), with a focus on restorative and educational approaches before exclusion.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
Administrative teams will:
- Monitor student well-being following a confirmed bullying incident.
- Review behavior patterns, prior reports, and any ongoing concerns.
- Adjust supports or safety plans as needed.
- Communicate with families regarding progress.
Parent, Student, and Community Engagement
Consistent with Board Policy 7:180, Sycamore CUSD 427 engages stakeholders in:
- Policy review and feedback cycles
- Climate and culture initiatives
- SEL programming
- Advisory committees
- Annual notifications and handbook distribution
Board Policies
This plan is consistent with all related Board policies, including but not limited to Policies 2:260, 2:265, 7:20, 7:180, 7:185, and 7:190.