Safe and Respectful Learning Environment

IICSN is committed to providing a safe, secure, and respectful learning environment for all students and employees. Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation have a harmful social, physical, psychological, and academic impact on victims, bystanders, and even the bullies themselves. The school strives to consistently and vigorously address bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation so that there is no disruption to the learning environment and the learning process. Bullying and cyberbullying are prohibited at IICSN. This includes but is not limited to going to and from school and any activity under school supervision.

IICSN shall develop methods for discussing the meaning and substance of this policy with staff to help prevent harassment. In addition to informing staff and students of this policy, IICSN will develop a school-wide progress discipline plan to assure that professional development is provided to those employed at the school. The planned professional development will address:

•   awareness concerning the various types of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and/or intimidation
•   how the bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, or intimidation manifests itself
•   devastating emotional and educational consequences of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment and/or intimidation
•   training in appropriate methods to facilitate positive human relations among students without the use of bullying, cyberbullying, harassments, and/or intimidation so others may realize their full academic and personal potential
•   methods to improve the school environment in a manner that will facilitate positive human relations among students
•   methods to teach skills to students so they are able to replace inappropriate behavior with positive behavior

Parent Code of Conduct

Innovations International Charter School of Nevada encourages its parents to visit the school and classrooms to observe their children, teachers, and staff members. The school and its sanctioned events are a place of work and learning where policies must be set to provide for the safety of the students. The building principal or his/her designee is responsible for securing all persons in the building and on the grounds. Therefore, the following rules for a Parent Code of Conduct apply to parents and visitors at the school.

1.   Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student at the school is considered to be a visitor. This includes parents, family members, and community members.
2.   Parents/guardians must report to the office upon arrival at the school to sign in, get a name tag, and state their reason for being at the school.
3.   Parents/guardians who wish to observe in a classroom while school is in session are required to arrange their visits at least 24-hours in advance with the classroom teacher to limit class disruption.
4.   Teachers will not take classroom instructional time to discuss individual student matters with parents/guardians. This takes away from instructional time.
5.   Unauthorized people on campus will be reported to the principal and/or his/her designee. Any parent unauthorized to be on campus will be asked to leave. A trespass may be issued, and local law enforcement will be called if the situation warrants.
6.   Parents/guardians are expected to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property contained in this code of conduct.
7.   Parents/guardians will be asked to maintain a positive attitude toward education, the school, teachers, and staff members at all times.
8.   Parents/guardians will be asked to show an active interest in their child’s schoolwork and progress through regular professional communication with the school.
9.   Parents/guardians will be asked to help their child in being neat, follow dress code, and be well-groomed at all times.
10.   Parents/guardians will be asked to make sure their child attends school regularly and on time each day that school is open or in session.
11.   Parents/guardians will be asked to report and explain to the school any absence or late arrival.
12.   Parents/guardians will display polite and appropriate behavior when speaking to or working with school officials whether on the phone, through email, via text message, or in person.
13.   Parents/guardians will be available to speak with the school staff concerning their child, especially about class work and discipline.
14.   Parents/guardians will be asked to refrain from using derogatory speech, curse words, or aggressive behavior/conversations with teachers and/or support staff.
15.   Parents/guardians will be asked to attend the yearly Parent-Teacher conference to assist the teacher in helping his/her child to succeed academically.
16.   Parents/guardians will be asked to remain patient and respectful when seeking assistance and correspondence/communication from school personnel.

Prohibited Parent Conduct

No person, either alone or with others shall:

1.   Intentionally hurt or threaten to do bodily harm to another person while on the school campus or at a school sanctioned event.
2.   Intentionally damage or destroy school property or the personal property of a teacher, administrator, or support staff. This includes graffiti, arson, or any other form of vandalism.
3.   Disrupt the orderly operation of classes, school programs, or other school activities.
4.   Distribute or wear clothing on school grounds or at school sanctioned events that are obscene, advocate illegal action, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, promote gangs, or are disruptive to the school.
5.   Intimidate, harass, or discriminate against any person based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
6.   Enter the school premises without authorization or remain in any portion of the school normally closed or vacated for the time being.
7.   Block or impede the free movement of any person in any place to which this code applies.
8.   Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations, or other restrictions on vehicles pertaining to the school or its sanctioned events.
9.   Possess, consume, sell, distribute, or exchange alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school sanctioned event.
10.   Possess or use weapons in or on school property or at school sanctioned events, except in the case of law enforcement officials.
11.   Linger on or around school property or at a school sanctioned event.
12.   Gamble on school property or at school sanctioned events.
13.   Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school officials performing their duties.
14.   Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code.
15.   Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance, or board policy while on school property or at school sanctioned events.

The building principal or his/her designee is responsible for enforcing the conduct required by this code. In the instance that a prohibited conduct is witnessed that does not pose an immediate threat or injury to persons or property, the principal or his/her designee will inform the parent/guardian of the infraction and ask for the individual to stop. If there is a refusal to stop the infraction, the parent/guardian will be trespassed and asked to remove himself/herself from the school property or the school sanctioned event. If the parent/guardian does not comply, local law enforcement officers will be called to assist in removing the person.

Trespassing and Visitor Control

The Nevada State Legislature has articulated a statute that schools hold a unique place in our society today. This statute notes that students and school employees are legally protected from disturbances that interfere with the instructional day.

NRS 392.910 generally prohibits a disturbance of the peace on school property by using vile or indecent language within the building or on the school’s grounds. Violation of this NRS is punishable as a misdemeanor. The same statue further makes it unlawful for any person to maliciously and purposely interfere with or disturb any persons peaceably assembled within a school building for school purposes.
NRS 392.915 makes it unlawful for any person, using any means of oral, written, or electronic communication, to knowingly threaten to cause bodily harm to a student or employee of the school with the intent to intimidate, harass, frighten, alarm, or distress that student or employee, or interfere with the operation of the public school.
NRS 207.200 makes it unlawful for a person to go upon the land or into any building of another with the intent to vex or annoy the owner or occupant thereof, or to commit any unlawful act; or willfully go or remain upon any land or in any building after having been warned by the owner or occupant thereof not to trespass.
NRS 202.459 states that a public nuisance is committed when a person annoys, injures, or endangers the safety, health, comfort, or repose of any considerable number of persons, or in any way renders a considerable number of persons insecure in life or the use of property.
NRS 200.471 is defined as intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm.
NRS 393.410 makes it unlawful for any person to commit any nuisance in any public school or purposely and maliciously commit any trespass upon the ground attached to the public school.

IICSN Board Procedures Concerning School Visitors addresses school visitation by parents, adult community members and those interested in education. Visitor controls may be necessary to prevent the intrusion of disruptive persons into the schools to ensure an undisturbed educational program. The administrator has the authority to prohibit the entry of any person to his/her facility or to expel any person when there is a reason to believe the presence of such person would be contrary to the good order of the school. The administrator is authorized to request local law enforcement to assist or remove those individuals that create a disturbance or refuse to leave the school.

The determination to expel and prevent re-entry (trespass) a citizen should be judiciously considered. Any person who continues to display threatening behaviors or disturbances of the school environment may be trespassed by announcement. This can most effectively be achieved via the delivery of a pre-printed statement on school stationary, signed by the principal and containing the following language:

As the duly appointed representative of Innovations International Charter School, I hereby warn you that you are trespassing upon this property. If you do not leave immediately, you will be subject to arrest.

The administrator is empowered to issue a trespass only for Innovations International Charter School of Nevada. A trespass does not transfer with the parent/guardian to a new school if the student enrolls elsewhere.

Habitual Behavior Problems

NRS 392.4655 Conditions under which pupil deemed habitual disciplinary problem; plan of behavior to prevent pupil from being deemed habitual disciplinary problem; appeal by parent or guardian concerning content of plan or action taken pursuant to plan.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a principal of a school shall deem a pupil enrolled in the school a habitual disciplinary problem if the school has written evidence which documents that in 1 school year:
(a) The pupil has threatened or extorted, or attempted to threaten or extort, another pupil or teacher or other personnel employed by the school two or more times, or the pupil has a record of five suspensions from the school for any reason: and
(b) The pupil has not entered and participated in a plan of behavior pursuant to subsection 5.

2. At least one teacher of a pupil who is enrolled in elementary school and at least two teachers of a pupil who is enrolled in junior high, middle school or high school may request that the principal of the school deem a pupil a habitual disciplinary problem. Upon such a request, the principal of the school shall meet with each teacher who made the request to review the pupil’s record of discipline. If, after the review, the principal of the school determines that the provisions of subsection 1 do not apply to the pupil, a teacher who submitted a request pursuant to this subsection may appeal that determination to the board of trustees of the school district. Upon receipt of such a request, the board of trustees shall review the initial request and determination pursuant to the procedure established by the board of trustees for such matters.

3. If a pupil is suspended, the school in which the pupil is enrolled shall provide written notice to the parent or legal guardian of the pupil that contains:
(a) A description of the act committed by the pupil and the date on which the act was committed.
(b) An explanation that if the pupil receives five suspensions on his or her record during the current school year and has not entered and participated in a plan of behavior pursuant to subsection 5, the pupil will be deemed a habitual disciplinary problem.
(c) An explanation that, pursuant to subsection 3 of NRS 392.466, a pupil who is deemed a habitual disciplinary problem may be:
(1) Suspended from school for a period not to exceed one school semester as determined by the seriousness of the acts which were the basis for the discipline: or
(2) Expelled from school under extraordinary circumstances as determined by the principal of the school.
(d) If the pupil has a disability and is participating in a program of special education pursuant to NRS 388.419, an explanation of the effect of subsection 8 of NRS 392.466, including, without limitation, that if it is determined in accordance with 20 U.S.C. § 1415 that the pupil’s behavior is not a manifestation of the pupil’s disability, he or she may be suspended or expelled from school in the same manner as a pupil without a disability; and
(e) A summary of the provisions of subsection 5.

4. A school shall provide the notice required by subsection 3 for each suspension on the record of a pupil during a school year. Such notice must be provided at least 7 days before the school deems the pupil a habitual disciplinary problem.

5. If a pupil is suspended, the school in which the pupil is enrolled may develop, in consultation with the pupil and the parent or legal guardian of the pupil, a plan of behavior for the pupil. Such a plan must be designed to prevent the pupil from being deemed a habitual disciplinary problem and may include, without limitation:
(a) A plan for graduating if the pupil is deficient in credits and not likely to graduate according to schedule.
(b) Information regarding schools with a mission to serve pupils who have been:
(1) Expelled or suspended from a public school, including, without limitation, a charter school; or
(2) Deemed to be a habitual disciplinary problem pursuant to this section.
(c) A voluntary agreement by the parent or legal guardian to attend school with his or her child.
(d) A voluntary agreement by the pupil and the pupil’s parent or legal guardian to attend counseling, programs, or services available in the school district or community.
(e) A voluntary agreement by the pupil and the pupil’s parent or legal guardian that the pupil will attend summer school, intersession school or school on Saturday, if any of those alternatives are offered by the school district.

6. If a pupil commits the same act for which notice was provided pursuant to subsection 3 after he or she enters a plan of behavior pursuant to subsection 5, the pupil shall be deemed to have not successfully completed the plan of behavior and may be deemed a habitual disciplinary problem.

7. A pupil may, pursuant to the provisions of this section, enter one plan of behavior per school year.

8. The parent or legal guardian of a pupil who has entered a plan of behavior with a school pursuant to this section may appeal to the board of trustees of the school district a determination made by the school concerning the contents of the plan of behavior or action taken by the school pursuant to the plan of behavior. Upon receipt of such a request, the board of trustees of the school district shall review the determination in accordance with the procedure established by the board of trustees for such matters.
(Added to NRS by 1997, 2489; A 1999, 2110; 2015, 424, 2034)

Administrative Actions

It is the responsibility of the Dean and all Administrators to keep the students and the staff at Innovations International Charter School safe each day. While most of the time, the incidents brought forward for discipline are minor and can be handled by the teachers and the counselors, there are times when the infractions must be taken to the Dean and other administrators for more restrictive disciplinary measures.

The following disciplinary actions are a small sample of what the school’s administrator might use when it is necessary to deal with infractions to the school’s disciplinary procedures. The actions below are not listed in any particular order of use. This is also not an inclusive list of disciplinary actions that might be used. This is a sample of what might be used based on the individual students and the infractions that have occurred.

•   Student conference
•   Parents notified
•   Parent Advisory Meeting
•   Detention
•   Suspension
•   Expulsion
•   Notification of proper law enforcement agency
•   Confiscation of property
•   Restitution of damages
•   Removal from the student population
•   Student sent home

Bullying and Cyberbullying

Bullying/Cyberbullying will not be tolerated at Innovations. Each report of bullying will be investigated thoroughly. Alleged victims and offenders will receive a bully investigation letter to explain that a bullying investigation will be conducted. The investigation will be conducted within two or three days upon receiving the complaint. All parents of alleged victims and offenders will at a minimum, received a phone conference with an administrator. Most parents of bullying offenders will be required to meet in person with an administrator to discuss possible consequences. Consequences for bullying will be progressive in nature but may be severe depending on the circumstance. Information about cyberbullying/bullying and the consequences will be provided to students and families.

The following policies are put into place by the Nevada Legislative process to protect our students. This policy in its entirety is written below for parent/student viewing and will be presented to students as a take home document at the beginning of each school year.

NRS 388.121 Definitions. As used in NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 388.122, 388.123 and 388.124 have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections. (Added to NRS by 2001, 1928; A 2005, 705; 2009, 687; 2011, 2244; 2013, 1654, 2137; 2015, 411)

NRS 388.122 “Bullying” defined.
1. “Bullying” means written, verbal or electronic expressions or physical acts or gestures, or any combination thereof, that are directed at a person or group of persons, or a single severe and willful act or expression that is directed at a person or group of persons, and:
(a) Have the effect of:
(1) Physically harming a person or damaging the property of a person; or
(2) Placing a person in reasonable fear of physical harm to the person or damage to the property
of the person.
(b) Interfere with the rights of a person by:
(1) Creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment for the person; or
(2) Substantially interfering with the academic performance of a pupil or the ability of the person to
participate in or benefit from services, activities or privileges provided by a school; or
(c) Are acts or conduct described in paragraph (a) or (b) and are based upon the:
(1) Actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender identity or
expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability of a person, sex or any other
distinguishing characteristic or background of a person; or
(2) Association of a person with another person having one or more of those actual or perceived
characteristics.
2. The term includes, without limitation:
(a) Repeated or pervasive taunting, name-calling, belittling, mocking or use of put-downs or demeaning humor regarding the actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion,
gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability of a person, sex or
any other distinguishing characteristic or background of a person.
(b) Behavior that is intended to harm another person by damaging or manipulating his or her relationships with others by conduct that includes, without limitation, spreading false rumors.

(c) Repeated or pervasive nonverbal threats or intimidation such as the use of aggressive, menacing,
or disrespectful gestures.
(d) Threats of harm to a person, to his or her possessions or to other persons, whether such threats
are transmitted verbally, electronically or in writing.
(e) Blackmail, extortion or demands for protection money or involuntary loans or donations.
(f) Blocking access to any property or facility of a school.
(g) Stalking; and
(h) Physically harmful contact with or injury to another person or his or her property.
(Added to NRS by 2009, 687; A 2011, 2245; 2013, 1655, 2138; 2015, 411)

NRS 388.123 “Cyber-bullying” defined. “Cyber-bullying” means bullying through the use of electronic communication. The term includes the use of electronic communication to transmit or distribute a sexual image of a minor. As used in this section, “sexual image” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 200.737. (Added to NRS by 2009, 687; A 2011, 1062)

NRS 388.124 “Electronic communication” defined. “Electronic communication” means the communication of any written, verbal, or pictorial information using an electronic device, including, without limitation, a telephone, a cellular phone, a computer, or any similar means of communication. (Added to NRS by 2009, 687)

Forms of Bullying Behavior viewed at schools:

•   Indirect (such as spreading rumors, intimidation through gestures, social exclusion, or sending insulting messages or pictures)
•   Physical (such as assault, hitting, punching, kicking, theft or threatening behavior)
•   Power imbalance (such as someone taking power over someone else)
•   Punitive (aimed at hurting or punishing targeted individuals)
•   Repetitive (repeated act over time)
•   Verbal (threatening language, teasing or name calling, racist remark)

No member of the Governing Board, employee of Innovations, member of a club or organization that may use the school’s facilities, or any student will tolerate or engage in bullying or cyberbullying on either school campus, school buildings, on a bus, on school grounds, or at school sanctioned events. This includes classrooms, hallways, locker rooms, cafeterias, restrooms, gymnasiums, playgrounds, athletic fields, parking lots and other areas on the premises of the school.

It is the policy of Innovations International Charter School to encourage students who are subjected to, witness, or overhear incidents of bullying and cyberbullying to report such incidents. (See something…say something) Students should report any incident(s) of bullying and cyberbullying to a teacher, counselor, security, or school administrator. Students are also encouraged to report knowledge of bullying and/or cyberbullying via the SafeVoice Program that allows individuals to anonymously report unlawful activities.

Any Innovations’ employee who witnesses or receives information about an incident of bullying and/or cyberbullying on campus shall report it to the administration or his/her designee as soon as practicable, but no later than a time during the same day on which the other staff member witnesses or receives information about the incident.

No cause of action may be brought against a student, employee, or volunteer of the school who reports a bullying and cyberbullying unless the person who made the report acted with malice, intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or intentional or knowing violation of the law.

If administration determines the report was false and that the person who made the report acted with malice, intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or intentional or knowing violation of the law, the administration may recommend the imposition of disciplinary action or other measures against the person in accordance with policies that govern disciplinary action.

Upon receiving a report of bullying or cyberbullying, the administration shall immediately take any necessary action to stop the bullying or cyberbullying and ensure the safety and well-being of the reported victim or victims of the bullying or cyberbullying and shall begin investigation of the report.

The investigation must include notification provided by telephone, electronic mail, or other electronic means, or provided in person, of the parents/guardians of all students directly involved in the reported bullying or cyberbullying as applicable, either as a reported aggressor or a reported victim. The notification must be provided not later than:

• If the bullying or cyberbullying is reported before the end of school hours on a school day, 6:00 p.m. on the day on which the incident was reported or
• If the bullying or cyberbullying was reported on a day that is not a school day or after school hours on a school day, 6:00 p.m. on the school day following the day the incident was reported

The notification may not include personally identifiable student information other than the name of the parent’s child to whom the notice is addressed and is not required to label the student’s alleged role in the incident. If the contact information for the parent or guardian of a student in the records of the school is not correct, a good faith effort to notify the parent or guardian shall be deemed sufficient to meet the notification requirements.

The investigation must include interviews with all students whose parents or guardians must be notified. The investigation must be completed not later than two (2) school days after administration or his/her designee is not able to complete the interviews within two (2) school days after making a good faith effort because any of the persons to be interviewed is not available, one (1) additional school day may be used to complete the investigation.

The administrator or his/her designee who conducts the investigation will complete a written report of the findings and conclusions of the investigation. If a violation is found to have occurred, the report must include recommendations concerning the imposition of disciplinary action or other measures to be imposed as a result of the violation. Subject to the provisions of the FERPA and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, the report must be made available, not later than 24-hours after the completion of the written report to all parents or guardians who must be notified as part of the investigation.

Follow-up, not later than 10 school days after receiving the report, must be provided for each reported victim of the bullying or cyberbullying to inquire about the well-being of the reported victim and to ensure that the bullying/cyberbullying is not continuing. The initial contact will be made by the school’s counselor and reported back to administration. To the extent information is available, the administration must provide, to a parent or guardian of a student to whom notice of a reported bullying violation was provided, a list of
resources that may be available in the community to assist a student as soon as practicable. If a list is provided, the administration or any employee of the school is not responsible for providing the resources to the student or ensuring the student receives the resources.

The parent or legal guardian of a student involved in the reported bullying or cyberbullying may appeal a disciplinary decision made by administration. No later than 30 days after receiving the disciplinary decision, the parent or guardian may submit a complaint to the school’s Governing Board and to the Office for Safe and Respectful Learning Environment within the Nevada Department of Education.

State Regulations on Creating a Safe and Respectful Learning Environment

NRS 388.132 Legislative declaration concerning safe and respectful learning environment. The Legislature declares that:
1. Pupils are the most vital resource to the future of this State.
2. A learning environment that is safe and respectful is essential for the pupils enrolled in the public schools in this State and is necessary for those pupils to achieve academic success and meet this State’s high academic standards.
3. Every classroom, hallway, locker room, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, playground, athletic field, school bus, parking lot and other areas on the premises of a public school in this State must be maintained as a safe and respectful learning environment, and no form of bullying or cyber-bullying will be tolerated within the system of public education in this State.
4. Any form of bullying or cyber-bullying seriously interferes with the ability of teachers to teach in the classroom and the ability of pupils to learn.
5. The use of the Internet by pupils in a manner that is ethical, safe, and secure is essential to a safe and respectful learning environment and is essential for the successful use of technology.
6. It will ensure that:
(a) The public schools in this State provide a safe and respectful learning environment in which persons of differing beliefs, races, colors, national origins, ancestries, religions, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, physical or mental disabilities, sexes or any other distinguishing characteristics or backgrounds can realize their full academic and personal potential.
(b) All administrators, principals, teachers and other personnel of the school districts and public schools in this State demonstrate appropriate and professional behavior on the premises of any public school by treating other persons, including, without limitation, pupils, with civility and respect, by refusing to tolerate bullying and cyber-bullying, and by taking immediate action to protect a victim or target of bullying or cyber-bullying when witnessing, overhearing or being notified that bullying or cyber-bullying is occurring or has occurred;
(c) The quality of instruction is not negatively impacted by poor attitudes or interactions among administrators, principals, teachers, coaches, or other personnel of a school district.
(d) All persons in public schools are entitled to maintain their own beliefs and to respectfully disagree without resorting to bullying, cyber-bullying, or violence; and
(e) Any teacher, administrator, principal, coach or other staff member or pupil who tolerates or engages in an act of bullying or cyber-bullying or violates a provision of NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive, regarding a response to bullying or cyber-bullying will be held accountable; and
7. By declaring this mandate that the public schools in this State provide a safe and respectful learning environment, the Legislature is not advocating or requiring the acceptance of differing beliefs in a manner that would inhibit the freedom of expression, but is requiring that pupils be free from physical, emotional, or mental abuse while in the care of the State and that pupils be provided with an environment that allows them to learn.

NRS 388.1321 Legislative declaration concerning duty of board of trustees, administrators, and teachers to create and provide safe and respectful learning environment; authority of parent or guardian of pupil to petition court to compel performance of duty; remedy not exclusive.
1. The Legislature hereby declares that the members of a board of trustees and all administrators and teachers at a school district have a duty to create and provide a safe and respectful learning environment for all pupils that is free of bullying and cyber-bullying.
2. A parent or guardian of a pupil of the public school system of this State may petition a court of

competent jurisdiction for a writ of mandamus to compel the performance of any duty imposed by the provisions of NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive.
3. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to preclude a parent or guardian of a pupil of the public school system of this State from seeking any remedy available at law or in equity. (Added to NRS by 2015, 410)

NRS 388.1323 Office for a Safe and Respectful Learning Environment: Creation; appointment and duties of Director.
1. The Office for a Safe and Respectful Learning Environment is hereby created within the Department.
2. The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall appoint a Director of the Office, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Superintendent.
3. The Director of the Office shall ensure that the Office:
(a) Maintains a 24-hour, toll-free statewide hotline, and Internet website by which any person can report a violation of the provisions of NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive, and obtain information about anti-bullying efforts and organizations; and
(b) Provides outreach and anti-bullying education and training for pupils, parents and guardians, teachers, administrators, principals, coaches and other staff members and the members of a board of trustees of a school district. The outreach and training must include, without limitation:
(1) Training regarding methods, procedures, and practice for recognizing bullying and cyber-bullying behaviors.
(2) Training regarding effective intervention and remediation strategies regarding bullying and cyber-bullying.
(3) Training regarding methods for reporting violations of NRS 388.135; and
(4) Information on and referral to available resources regarding suicide prevention and the relationship between bullying or cyber-bullying and suicide.
4. The Director of the Office shall establish procedures by which the Office may receive reports of bullying and cyber-bullying and complaints regarding violations of the provisions of NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive.
5. The Director of the Office or his or her designee shall investigate any complaint that a teacher, administrator, principal, coach or other staff member or member of a board of trustees of a school district has violated a provision of NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive. If a complaint alleges criminal conduct or an investigation leads the Director of the Office or his or her designee to suspect criminal conduct, the Director of the Office may request assistance from the Investigation Division of the Department of Public Safety. (Added to NRS by 2015, 410)

NRS 388.1325 Bullying Prevention Account: Creation; acceptance of gifts and grants; credit of interest and income; authorized uses by school district that receives grant.
1. The Bullying Prevention Account is hereby created in the State General Fund, to be administered by the Director of the Office for a Safe and Respectful Learning Environment appointed pursuant to NRS 388.1323. The Director of the Office may accept gifts and grants from any source for deposit into the Account. The interest and income earned on the money in the Account must be credited to the Account.
2. In accordance with the regulations adopted by the State Board pursuant to NRS 388.1327, a school district that applies for and receives a grant of money from the Bullying Prevention Account shall use the money for one or more of the following purposes:
(a) The establishment of programs to create a school environment that is free from bullying and cyber-bullying.
(b) The provision of training on the policies adopted by the school district pursuant to NRS 388.134 and the provisions of NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive; or
(c) The development and implementation of procedures by which the public schools of the school district and the pupils enrolled in those schools can discuss the policies adopted pursuant to NRS 388.134 and the provisions of NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive. (Added to NRS by 2011, 2242; A 2013, 1655, 2755; 2015, 413)

NRS 388.1327 Regulations. The State Board shall adopt regulations:
1. Establishing the process whereby school districts may apply to the State Board for a grant of money from the Bullying Prevention Account pursuant to NRS 388.1325.
2. As are necessary to carry out the provisions of NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive.
(Added to NRS by 2011, 2244; A 2013, 2755; 2015, 413)

Policies; Informational Pamphlet; Program of Training
NRS 388.133 Policy by Department concerning safe and respectful learning environment.
1. The Department shall, in consultation with the boards of trustees of school districts, educational personnel, local associations and organizations of parents whose children are enrolled in public schools throughout this State, and individual parents and legal guardians whose children are enrolled in public schools throughout this State, prescribe by regulation a policy for all school districts and public schools to provide a safe and respectful learning environment that is free of bullying and cyber-bullying.
2. The policy must include, without limitation:
(a) Requirements and methods for reporting violations of NRS 388.135, including, without limitation, violations among teachers and violations between teachers and administrators, principals, coaches, and other personnel of a school district; and
(b) A policy for use by school districts to train members of the board of trustees and all administrators, principals, teachers, and all other personnel employed by the board of trustees of a school district. The policy must include, without limitation:
(1) Training in the appropriate methods to facilitate positive human relations among pupils by eliminating the use of bullying and cyber-bullying so that pupils may realize their full academic and personal potential.
(2) Training in methods to prevent, identify and report incidents of bullying and cyber-bullying.
(3) Methods to promote a positive learning environment.
(4) Methods to improve the school environment in a manner that will facilitate positive human relations among pupils; and
(5) Methods to teach skills to pupils so that the pupils are able to replace inappropriate behavior with positive behavior.
(Added to NRS by 2005, 704; A 2009, 687; 2013, 1656, 2138; 2015, 881)

NRS 388.134 Policy by school districts for provision of safe and respectful learning environment and policy for ethical, safe, and secure use of computers; provision of training to board of trustees and school personnel; posting of policies on Internet website; annual review and update of policies. The board of trustees of each school district shall:
1. Adopt the policy prescribed pursuant to NRS 388.133 and the policy prescribed pursuant to

subsection 2 of NRS 389.520. The board of trustees may adopt an expanded policy for one or both of the policies if each expanded policy complies with the policy prescribed pursuant to NRS 388.133 or pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 389.520, as applicable.
2. Provide for the appropriate training of members of the board of trustees and all administrators, principals, teachers and all other personnel employed by the board of trustees in accordance with the policies prescribed pursuant to NRS 388.133 and pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 389.520. For members of the board of trustees who have not previously been elected or appointed to the board of trustees or for employees of the school district who have not previously been employed by the district, the training required by this subsection must be provided within 180 days after the member begins his or her term of office or after the employee begins his or her employment, as applicable.
3. Post the policies adopted pursuant to subsection 1 on the Internet website maintained by the school district.
4. Ensure that the parents and legal guardians of pupils enrolled in the school district have sufficient information concerning the availability of the policies, including, without limitation, information that describes how to access the policies on the Internet website maintained by the school district. Upon the request of a parent or legal guardian, the school district shall provide the parent or legal guardian with a written copy of the policies.
5. Review the policies adopted pursuant to subsection 1 on an annual basis and update the policies if necessary. If the board of trustees of a school district updates the policies, the board of trustees must submit a copy of the updated policies to the Department within 30 days after the update.
(Added to NRS by 2005, 705; A 2009, 688; 2011, 2245; 2013, 2138)

NRS 388.1341 Development of informational pamphlet by Department; annual review and update; posting on Internet website; development of tutorial.
1. The Department, in consultation with persons who possess knowledge and expertise in bullying and cyber-bullying, shall, to the extent money is available, develop an informational pamphlet to assist pupils and the parents or legal guardians of pupils enrolled in the public schools in this State in resolving incidents of bullying or cyber-bullying. If developed, the pamphlet must include, without limitation:
(a) A summary of the policy prescribed by the Department pursuant to NRS 388.133 and the provisions of NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive.
(b) A description of practices which have proven effective in preventing and resolving violations of NRS 388.135 in schools, which must include, without limitation, methods to identify and assist pupils who are at risk for bullying and cyber-bullying; and
(c) An explanation that the parent or legal guardian of a pupil who is involved in a reported violation of NRS 388.135 may request an appeal of a disciplinary decision made against the pupil as a result of the violation, in accordance with the policy governing disciplinary action adopted by the board of trustees of the school district.
2. If the Department develops a pamphlet pursuant to subsection 1, the Department shall review the pamphlet on an annual basis and make such revisions to the pamphlet as the Department determines are necessary to ensure the pamphlet contains current information.
3. If the Department develops a pamphlet pursuant to subsection 1, the Department shall post a copy of the pamphlet on the Internet website maintained by the Department.
4. To the extent the money is available, the Department shall develop a tutorial which must be made available on the Internet website maintained by the Department that includes, without limitation, the information contained in the pamphlet developed pursuant to subsection 1, if such a pamphlet is developed by the Department. (Added to NRS by 2011, 2241; A 2013, 1656; 2015, 414)

NRS 388.1342 Establishment of programs of training by Department; completion of program by members of State Board of Education and boards of trustees; completion of program by administrators in prevention of and appropriate responses to violence and suicide; annual review and update.
1. The Department, in consultation with persons who possess knowledge and expertise in bullying and cyber-bullying, shall:
(a) Establish a program of training on methods to prevent, identify and report incidents of bullying and cyber-bullying for members of the State Board.
(b) Establish a program of training on methods to prevent, identify and report incidents of bullying and cyber-bullying for members of the boards of trustees of school districts.
(c) Establish a program of training for school district and charter school personnel to assist those persons with carrying out their powers and duties pursuant to NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive.
(d) Establish a program of training for administrators in the prevention of violence and suicide associated with bullying and cyber-bullying and appropriate methods to respond to incidents of violence or suicide.
2. Each member of the State Board shall, within 1 year after the member is elected or appointed to the State Board, complete the program of training on bullying and cyber-bullying established pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 1 and undergo the training at least one additional time while the person is a member of the State Board.
3. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 388.134, each member of a board of trustees of a school district shall, within 1 year after the member is elected or appointed to the board of trustees, complete the program of training on bullying and cyber-bullying established pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 and undergo the training at least one additional time while the person is a member of the board of trustees.
4. Each administrator of a public school shall complete the program of training established pursuant to paragraph (d) of subsection 1:
(a) Within 90 days after becoming an administrator.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c), at least once every 3 years thereafter; and
(c) At least once during any school year within which the program of training is revised or updated.
5. Each program of training established pursuant to subsection 1 must, to the extent money is available, be made available on the Internet website maintained by the Department or through another provider on the Internet.
6. The board of trustees of a school district may allow school district personnel to attend the program established pursuant to paragraph (c) or (d) of subsection 1 during regular school hours.
7. The Department shall review each program of training established pursuant to subsection 1 on an annual basis to ensure that the program contains current information.
(Added to NRS by 2011, 2242; A 2013, 1657, 2139; 2015, 414)

School Safety Team
NRS 388.1343 Establishment by principal of each school; duties of principal. The principal of each public school or his or her designee shall:
1. Establish a school safety team to develop, foster and maintain a school environment which is free from bullying and cyber-bullying.
2. Conduct investigations of violations of NRS 388.135 occurring at the school; and
3. Collaborate with the board of trustees of the school district and the school safety team to prevent, identify and address reported violations of NRS 388.135 at the school.

(Added to NRS by 2011, 2243; A 2013, 1658)

NRS 388.1344 Membership; chair; duties.
1. Each school safety team established pursuant to NRS 388.1343 must consist of the principal or his or her designee and the following persons appointed by the principal:
(a) A school counselor.
(b) At least one teacher who teaches at the school.
(c) At least one parent or legal guardian of a pupil enrolled in the school: and
(d) Any other persons appointed by the principal.
2. The principal or his or her designee shall serve as the chair of the school safety team.
3. The school safety team shall:
(a) Meet at least two times each year.
(b) Identify and address patterns of bullying or cyber-bullying.
(c) Review and strengthen school policies to prevent and address bullying or cyber-bullying.
(d) Provide information to school personnel, pupils enrolled in the school and parents and legal guardians of pupils enrolled in the school on methods to address bullying and cyber-bullying; and
(e) To the extent money is available, participate in any training conducted by the school district regarding bullying and cyber-bullying.
(Added to NRS by 2011, 2243; A 2013, 1658)

Prohibition of Bullying and Cyber-Bullying; Reporting and Investigation of Violations
NRS 388.135 Bullying and cyber-bullying prohibited. A member of the board of trustees of a school district, any employee of the board of trustees, including, without limitation, an administrator, principal, teacher or other staff member, a member of a club or organization which uses the facilities of any public school, regardless of whether the club or organization has any connection to the school, or any pupil shall not engage in bullying or cyber-bullying on the premises of any public school, at an activity sponsored by a public school or on any school bus.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 1929; A 2009, 688; 2013, 1658)

NRS 388.1351 Staff member required to report violation to principal; required actions and investigation; notification to parent or guardian; written report of findings and conclusions of investigation; follow-up with victim; list of resources to be provided to parent or guardian; appeal of disciplinary action.
1. A teacher, administrator, principal, coach or other staff member who witnesses a violation of NRS 388.135 or receives information that a violation of NRS 388.135 has occurred shall report the violation to the principal or his or her designee as soon as practicable, but not later than a time during the same day on which the teacher, administrator, principal, coach or other staff member witnessed the violation or received information regarding the occurrence of a violation.
2. Upon receiving a report required by subsection 1, the principal or designee shall immediately take any necessary action to stop the bullying or cyber-bullying and ensure the safety and well-being of the reported victim or victims of the bullying or cyber-bullying and shall begin an investigation into the report. The investigation must include, without limitation:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, notification provided by telephone, electronic mail or other electronic means or provided in person, of the parents or guardians of all pupils directly involved in the reported bullying or cyber-bullying, as applicable, either as a reported aggressor or a reported victim of the bullying or cyber-bullying. The notification must be provided not later than:
(1) If the bullying or cyber-bullying is reported before the end of school hours on a school day, 6 p.m. on the day on which the bullying or cyber-bullying is reported; or
(2) If the bullying or cyber-bullying was reported on a day that is not a school day, or after school hours on a school day, 6 p.m. on the school day following the day on which the bullying or cyber-bullying is reported.
(b) Interviews with all pupils whose parents or guardians must be notified pursuant to paragraph (a) and with all such parents and guardians.
3. If the contact information for the parent or guardian of a pupil in the records of the school is not correct, a good faith effort to notify the parent or guardian shall be deemed sufficient to meet the requirement for notification pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 2.
4. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an investigation required by this section must be completed not later than 2 school days after the principal or designee receives a report required by subsection 1. If the principal or designee is not able to complete the interviews required by paragraph (b) of subsection 2 within 2 school days after making a good faith effort because any of the persons to be interviewed is not available,
1 additional school day may be used to complete the investigation.
5. A principal or designee who conducts an investigation required by this section shall complete a written report of the findings and conclusions of the investigation. If a violation is found to have occurred, the report must include recommendations concerning the imposition of disciplinary action or other measures to be imposed as a result of the violation, in accordance with the policy governing disciplinary action adopted by the board of trustees of the school district. Subject to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, the report must be made available, not later than 24 hours after the completion of the written report, to all parents or guardians who must be notified pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection 2 as part of the investigation.
6. Not later than 10 school days after receiving a report required by subsection 1, the principal or designee shall meet with each reported victim of the bullying or cyber-bullying to inquire about the well-being of the reported victim and to ensure that the reported bullying or cyber-bullying, as applicable, is not continuing.
7. To the extent that information is available, the principal or his or her designee shall provide a list of any resources that may be available in the community to assist a pupil to each parent or guardian of a pupil to whom notice was provided pursuant to this section as soon as practicable. Such a list may include, without limitation, resources available at no charge or at a reduced cost. If such a list is provided, the principal, his or her designee, or any employee of the school or the school district is not responsible for providing such resources to the pupil or ensuring the pupil receives such resources.
8. The parent or guardian of a pupil involved in the reported violation of NRS 388.135 may appeal a disciplinary decision of the principal or his or her designee, made against the pupil as a result of the violation, in accordance with the policy governing disciplinary action adopted by the board of trustees of the school district. Not later than 30 days after receiving a response provided in accordance with such a policy, the parent or guardian may submit a complaint to the Department. The Department shall consider and respond to the complaint pursuant to procedures and standards prescribed in regulations adopted by the Department. (Added to NRS by 2011, 2244; A 2013, 2140; 2015, 415, 2069)

NRS 388.1352 Establishment of policy by school districts for employees to report violations to law enforcement. The board of trustees of each school district, in conjunction with the school police officers of the school district, if any, and the local law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over the

school district, shall establish a policy for the procedures which must be followed by an employee of the school district when reporting a violation of NRS 388.135 to a school police officer or local law enforcement agency. (Added to NRS by 2011, 2244)

NRS 388.1354 Disciplinary action against administrator or principal or designee thereof who fails to comply with certain provisions. If an administrator, principal or the designee of an administrator or principal of a school knowingly and willfully fails to comply with the provisions of NRS 388.1351, the superintendent of the school district:
1. Shall take disciplinary action against the employee by written admonishment, demotion, suspension, dismissal, or refusal to reemploy; and
2. If the employee is the holder of a license issued pursuant to chapter 391 of NRS, may recommend to the board of trustees of the school district that the board submit a recommendation to the State Board for the suspension or revocation of the license. (Added to NRS by 2015, 410)

NRS 388.136 School officials prohibited from interfering with disclosure of violations.
1. A school official shall not directly or indirectly interfere with or prevent the disclosure of information concerning a violation of NRS 388.135.
2. As used in this section, “school official” means:
(a) A member of the board of trustees of a school district; or
(b) A licensed or unlicensed employee of a school district.
(Added to NRS by 2005, 705)

NRS 388.137 Immunity for reporting of violations; exceptions; recommendation for disciplinary action if person who made report acted with malice, intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or violation of law.
1. No cause of action may be brought against a pupil or an employee or volunteer of a school who reports a violation of NRS 388.135 unless the person who made the report acted with malice, intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or intentional or knowing violation of the law.
2. If a principal determines that a report of a violation of NRS 388.135 is false and that the person who made the report acted with malice, intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or intentional or knowing violation of the law, the principal may recommend the imposition of disciplinary action or other measures against the person in accordance with the policy governing disciplinary action adopted by the board of trustees of the school district. (Added to NRS by 2005, 705; A 2013, 2140)

Rules of Behavior; Week of Respect
NRS 388.139 Text of certain provisions required to be included in rules of behavior. Each school district shall include the text of the provisions of NRS 388.121 to 388.1395, inclusive, and the policies adopted by the board of trustees of the school district pursuant to NRS 388.134 under the heading “Bullying and Cyber-Bullying Is Prohibited in Public Schools,” within each copy of the rules of behavior for pupils that the school district provides to pupils pursuant to NRS 392.463.
(Added to NRS by 2001, 1929; A 2005, 706; 2009, 688; 2011, 2246; 2013, 1659; 2015, 417)

NRS 388.1395 Requirements for delivery of information during annual “Week of Respect.” The board of trustees of each school district and the governing body of each charter school shall determine the most effective manner for the delivery of information to the pupils of each public school during the “Week of Respect” proclaimed by the Governor each year pursuant to NRS 236.073. The information delivered
during the “Week of Respect” must focus on:

1. Methods to prevent, identify and report incidents of bullying and cyber-bullying.
2. Methods to improve the school environment in a manner that will facilitate positive human relations among pupils; and
3. Methods to facilitate positive human relations among pupils by eliminating the use of bullying and cyber-bullying (Added to NRS by 2013, 2137) — (Substituted in revision for NRS 388.145)

Requirements and Methods for Reporting Violations

IICSN will assure that any person who believes he/she has been a victim or target of bullying or cyberbullying be encouraged and instructed to adhere to the following reporting method:
• Students:
It is the policy of IICSN to encourage students who are victims/targets of bullying or cyberbullying and students who have first-hand knowledge of such bullying and cyberbullying to report such claims. Students should report any incident (s) to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. Students are also encouraged to report knowledge of bully and cyberbullying to the school’s website if you wish to report anonymously.

No Tolerance

Bullying and cyberbullying are prohibited at IICSN and all public schools. We will take a ‘No Tolerance’ approach for the safety of all students, staff members, and our families. It will be the responsibility of the student (s) and families at the school to bring forward any and all forms of bullying and cyberbullying to the school’s counselor and/or administrator in order for the school to move forward with notifying the proper authorities and in order for the school to deliver its own consequences. Since the administrator needs to be kept informed to move to action, your cooperation and your reporting of any and all incidences of bullying and cyberbullying are greatly appreciated.

Sexting

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photographs, primarily between cellular phones. Sexting that involves teenagers sending explicit photographs of themselves to their peers has led to a legal gray area in countries that have strict anti-child pornography laws. Some teenagers who have texted photographs of themselves or of their friends or partners, have been charged with distribution of child pornography, while those who have received the images have been charged with possession of child pornography.

IICSN has taken the stance that children need to be educated at an early age of the inappropriateness of sexting as well as letting parents and students know this can endanger their child’s welfare. Cell phones must be checked for photos as well as various social networking sites. It is the intent of the school to be proactive in protecting all students from a disruption of the school day and from the flow of instruction in the classroom. Any forms of sexting found, will be reported to the parents and to the local law enforcement agencies if needed.

Administrative Searches

IICSN believes in upholding the Fourth Amendment while providing a safe learning environment for staff and students. We will follow the US Supreme Court decision of TLO –vs – New Jersey in conducting searches at the school. There will be NO unreasonable searches and seizures of personal items concerning its students. It will, however, ensure that a search of a student by a school official be justified upon its inception when there is a reasonable ground for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that a student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school.

Reasonableness for a search requires that the search be justified prior to its commencement and be related to the circumstances giving rise to the search. Absent extraordinary circumstances, a student’s person and possessions may be subject to search on school property only if:

•   the student voluntarily consents to the search
•   prior to the search there is an individualized, reasonable suspicion that the student is hiding evidence of a wrongdoing and
o   a search is necessary to maintain school discipline, order, safety, and to prevent the removal or destruction of evidence and
o   the search is reasonable in scope and methods as related to the alleged wrongdoing area the age and gender of the student and
o   the search is conducted in accordance with this regulation or
o   appropriate law enforcement authorities conduct the search

Absent extraordinary circumstance, a search of a student’s person or possessions will be conducted by a school administrator or his/her designee in the presence of another employee as a witness. Prior to the search, the witness must be told, in the presence of the student, of the alleged wrongdoing and the evidence believed to be hidden on the student’s person or in his/her possession.

In This Section

Safe and Respectful Learning Environment

K-5 CAMPUS

6-12 CAMPUS

CHARTER GOVERNANCE

Testing Checklist