Bullying is any aggressive, intentional behavior carried out by a person or group repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot easily defend himself or herself. Bullying requires an observed or perceived imbalance of power - such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information or popularity - between the bully and the victim.

There are several different types of bullying:

Verbal - teasing, name-calling, taunting and threatening.

Physical - hitting or kicking, tripping or pushing, spitting and taking the victim's property.

Relational - attempting to damage the victim's relationships or reputation by excluding, spreading rumors or defamation.

Cyberbullying - any act of bullying that uses electronic technology or communication devices, including social networking sites and other Internet communications, that occurs on school property or at a school-sponsored event; interferes with a student's education; threatens the educational environment; or disrupts the school. Examples of cyberbullying include sending mean text messages or emails or posting embarrassing pictures or videos.

Harassment is abusive conduct directed at one or more students because of the student’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy) or disability and is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or opportunities offered by the school. Harassment includes sexual harassment and retaliation.

• Two students of similar age, strength and size fight or quarrel with each other.
• A student provokes another into a verbal or physical confrontation.
• A student acts aggressively toward another student in the absence of an imbalance of power.
• A teacher or administrator responds to a student's misconduct with appropriate disciplinary action.
• A teacher or administrator responds to a student's poor performance with appropriate criticism.

Conduct that does not rise to the level of bullying may nevertheless violate the district's Information & Guidelines for student behavior or policies regarding employee professional conduct.