Hurt feelings can make learning hard, that's why Alpine administrators use a comprehensive approach to bullying prevention and response. Parents also play an essential role in supporting the district’s efforts so that every student in the district has a safe and positive school environment.
Alpine’s is a site-based approach, which allows schools to tailor their response using district framework, according to Dr. Richard Thomas, Director of Equal Opportunity at Alpine School District. Thomas oversees bullying prevention and harassment for the district.
Part of Thomas’s role is to ensure schools understand state law and district policy, and help them implement prevention and response measures in a way that is suited to the school’s situation. The framework is marked by three main components.
Creating Positive School Climate
Utah law defines bullying as repeated or severe written, verbal, or physical acts intended to cause harm and involving an imbalance of power. These behaviors must create a hostile environment and interfere with a student’s education. Acts of bullying, cyberbullying, hazing, abusive conduct or retaliation are prohibited, while normal teasing, arguments or peer conflict are not considered bullying under state code.
Alpine’s bullying prevention efforts begin with setting conditions where those behaviors can’t thrive. The district prioritizes school culture, relationships and well-being to create a learning environment where students feel safe and supported. Climate, culture and connection surveys help schools assess students’ sense of belonging and identify needed improvements.
“Our goal is to ensure students feel connected to adults on campus,” Said Maja Stocking, Counselor at Timpanogos High School. “Those positive relationships are one of the strongest protective factors we can offer.”
It’s all strengthened by parent involvement, according to Thomas. “A strong partnership between schools and families is essential…Together, we teach students appropriate behavior and support the well-being of their peers,” he said.
“Open communication between families and schools is one of the most effective tools we have,” said Stocking. “When we work together, we can create safer spaces for all students.”
Counselors encourage parents to review procedures and resources on the district’s Bullying Prevention and Reporting page.
Student and Educator Training
If school culture is the foundation of bullying prevention, then training is the support structure. Alpine School District’s Student Support Services team has created age-appropriate lessons for every grade level. All Alpine students receive this annual bullying prevention and awareness training in class, as required by Utah State Board of Education rule R277-613. This instruction is designed to educate students early, promote awareness and prevent harmful behavior.
“We want students to understand what bullying truly is and how to respond appropriately,” said Thomas. “Education empowers students to recognize harmful behavior and speak up when something isn’t right.”
This conversation should go beyond the classroom and into the homes of each student in Alpine School District.
Additionally, all staff receive annual bullying prevention training.
“It’s important that all of our employees, whether they work directly with students or not, understand state law, district policy, and how seriously we take bullying,” said Thomas.
Administrator Response
Even with the strong efforts to prevent bullying from both students and staff, it can and will still occur. When it does, Alpine School District wants parents to know that its response is just as strong and proactive as its prevention efforts.
When a bullying concern is reported, administrators must document the incident in Skyward. Immediately following documentation, they are encouraged to use the district’s Bullying Decision Tree to guide a thorough and consistent investigation. Parents of both the alleged victim and the alleged aggressor must be notified as soon as reasonably possible.
Stocking said fear often prevents students from reaching out. “One of the biggest reasons students hesitate to report is fear of retaliation,” she said. “But many still come forward when they see a friend struggling or recognize a situation that needs adult help.”
Thomas is very clear about prohibiting retaliation. “Alpine School District will not tolerate any form of retaliation or intimidation toward anyone who reports bullying or participates in an investigation,” he states.
Following the investigation, administrators may create a personalized Action Plan using district templates, including a response plan for bullying and the victim response plan for supportive measures. These supports are intended to maintain student safety, ensure access to learning and address ongoing needs.
Schools will provide regular updates to parents and share resources with both parties on firearm safety and suicide prevention. Stocking said these materials are an important safeguard.
“Emotional harm can impact a student deeply,” she said. “We want families to have the tools they need to support students who may be struggling.”
Stocking urged families to reach out quickly when concerns arise.
“Believe and validate your child,” she said. “Let them know you’ll work with the school to ensure their safety. We truly want to help and act quickly.”