Bullying Overview
Building Bullying Contacts
At Gentry Public Schools, we’re committed to providing a safe, respectful environment where every student can learn and grow. Bullying—whether physical, verbal, social, or online—is a serious issue that can deeply impact a student’s well-being. It’s important to note, though, that not all unkind behavior meets the legal definition of bullying. Sometimes students make poor choices or have conflicts that don’t fall under these policies.
To address concerns effectively, we need to hear about them as soon as possible. Early reporting gives us the best chance to understand what happened and take appropriate action. When reports come in late or through social media, it’s more difficult to gather accurate information and respond in a timely way.
Like all public schools in Arkansas, we follow statewide bullying laws and policies. These provide clear processes but also come with specific definitions and limitations. While we work hard to respond consistently and thoughtfully, there are times when outcomes aren’t always visible due to privacy laws or limited evidence.
Families play a vital role in prevention. Conversations at home about respect, empathy, conflict resolution, and online behavior make a meaningful difference. When schools and families partner together, students are better supported and safer.
If you have concerns about bullying, please reach out to the administration at your student’s school. Contact information is available on each school’s page under the “Contact Us” tab or listed to the left for each building.
The bullying policy is included in the Parent-Student Handbook and is also provided separately below for easier access. You’ll find both the full policy and a helpful FAQ. The policy is also available under our "Family Resources" tab and on each school page under the "Schools" tab. Please note that the policy is the official governing document and will take precedence in the event of any conflict or discrepancy with the FAQ, which is intended only to provide general guidance and clarification.
Bullying FAQ