iCan Dream Center Bullying Prevention Policy
Purpose & Commitment
Bullying, cyberbullying, intimidation, and harassment are detrimental to the learning environment for both staff and students. All students deserve access to a safe, supportive, and non-hostile environment for academic success. This policy is adopted in compliance with 105 ILCS 5/27-23.7 and ISBE guidelines.
1. Definitions
Bullying
Bullying includes ‘cyber-bullying’ and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including written or electronic communications, directed toward a student or students that has or can reasonably be predicted to result in:
- Placing the student(s) in reasonable fear of harm to their person or property;
- Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student(s)’ physical or mental health;
- Substantially interfering with the student(s)’ academic performance;
- Substantially interfering with the student(s)’ ability to participate in or benefit from school services, activities, or privileges.
Bullying may include, but is not limited to: harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.
Cyber-bullying
Bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including but not limited to electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, social media, text messages, or other electronic means. Cyber-bullying also includes impersonation or the creation of content under another’s identity if it creates any of the effects described above.
2. Prohibited Conduct & Scope
Bullying is prohibited:
– During any iCan Dream Center-sponsored education program, activity, or event;
– While in school, on school property, on vans, or at school-sponsored/sanctioned events;
– Through the use of school-owned computers, networks, or electronic technology;
– Through the use of electronic technology or devices not owned by the school if such use causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of the school.
Bullying is prohibited whether based on actual or perceived characteristics, including but not limited to: race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, immigration status, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic.
3. Reporting Procedures
Any student, parent/guardian, staff member, or community member may report incidents of bullying. Reports may be made verbally, in writing, or anonymously. Anonymous reports will be reviewed, though formal disciplinary action will not be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
The designated Bullying Report Managers are:
• Director of Special Services: LaKisha Thigpen — [email protected] | 708-798-4200
• Student Belonging & Success Coordinator: Matthew Adkins — [email protected] | 708-798-4200
• Director of Human Resources/Anonymous Reports: Tateanna Foster — [email protected] | 708-798-4200
Reports may be made anonymously by through Ethico at 888-209-1324.
4. Response & Investigation
– Timeliness: All reported incidents will be acknowledged promptly. Parents/guardians of all involved students will be notified within 24 hours.
– Investigation: A trained administrator or program coordinator will begin investigating immediately and make reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within 10 school days. The Executive Director will be notified when the investigation is complete.
– Jurisdiction: The investigation will determine whether the incident falls within the school’s jurisdiction.
– Privacy: All investigations will comply with state and federal student privacy laws.
– Parent/Guardian Involvement: Parents/guardians of involved students will be given the opportunity to meet with the Executive Director and Program Coordinator to review findings and actions taken.
5. Interventions & Consequences
Interventions may include: counseling, restorative conversations, social-emotional skill building, referral to social work or psychological services, and other supports as appropriate. Consequences for bullying will be developmentally appropriate, consistent with the severity and circumstances, and balanced with the need for behavioral health supports.
Retaliation: Retaliation or reprisal against any person who reports bullying in good faith is strictly prohibited and will be treated as bullying.
False Reports: Knowingly making a false accusation is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
6. Policy Evaluation
The effectiveness of this policy will be evaluated at least once every two years, and revisions will be made as needed. The evaluation will consider:
– Frequency of victimization;
– Observations of school safety;
– Identification of common bullying locations;
– Types of bullying behaviors;
– Levels of bystander intervention.
Findings will be shared with administration, board members, staff, students, and parents/guardians. This policy will be re-filed with ISBE by September 30 of the appropriate year in compliance with state law.
7. Notification & Distribution
This policy will be:
– Posted in each school building where other conduct rules are posted;
– Included in the school handbook;
– Posted on the iCan Dream Center website;
– Distributed annually to students, parents/guardians, and school personnel;
– Provided to new employees upon hiring.
Adoption & Review
Adopted by iCan Dream Center on June 11, 2020
Policy revised July 1, 2021| Adopted by Board of Directors on July 14, 2021
Policy reviewed on July 1, 2023
Policy revised on Sept. 15, 2025| Adopted by Board of Directors on Sept. 29, 2025