He's not surprised at the gender of the combatants, he adds. They're bullying over boyfriends, over who makes the cheerleading squad, even over academics. There's big competition to be the top dog in the class. If the bullying persists and a warning or visit to the principal doesn't work, students can find themselves in front of a district justice at the courthouse just a half block from school, says Vavra. The school district's discipline policy, crafted with teacher input and approved by the board of education, details these consequences.
Parents have to sign the policy handbook before their children can enroll in school.
District courts have the power to levy fines for bullying, smoking on school property, and other infractions. If parents or students can't or won't pay, the offenders have to make restitution by cleaning the school cafeteria floor, sweeping the halls and stairwells, or performing other community service. The veteran teacher lauds the system as a great way to get parents' attention. You hit parents in the pocketbook. Mary Anne Hess is a freelance writer specializing in education issues.