Bullying at How-Winn CSD

Cresco - There was a recent incident that took place on the school grounds of Howard-Winneshiek Community School District. A ninth grade student was bullied.

He described his Jan. 18 experience during open forum at the school board meeting of March 12. He read a copy of what he sent to Dean of Students Greg Hiemstra; Principal Chris Rogne; and Supt. Ted Ihns the day it happened.

The individual reported he was singled out in the locker room, pushed and thrown under the showers, as well as more graphic incidents.

Also speaking on the event was the boy’s mother. Another mother of a bullied student spoke as well.

Because of school policy, administration was not able to react to the speakers or explain if disciplinary actions were taken. 

Later Ihns noted there has been at least 25 hours of time spent on this one bullying incident. The day after it happened, Rogne and Hiemstra spent the entire day talking to many students and getting statements from those involved.

As a result, consequences were issued to four individuals.

There are certain procedures that need to be followed when an incident takes place. Administration needs to measure the degree of aggression and report it to the state of Iowa.

In 2015-16, there were two cases in the district, there were none in 2016-17 and so far this year, 2017-2018, there have been two bullying incidents and three harassments.

Rogne stated, “Full disclosure. We have other instances that qualify as physical aggression, physical fighting and abusive language that happen and are followed through with consequences. Everything that is reported is followed-up on and addressed.”

What to do?

The ninth grader did the right thing. After the event, he called his mother and left the school. He then reported it to administration.

• The first step is to talk to a trusted adult, parents, teachers, minister, school administration. This can be done in person, by e-mail or through a harassment form that can be filled out online. 

The form can be found by going to the home page at http://www.howard-winn.k12.ia.us/Home. Click Centers. The form is under Crestwood Elementary, Crestwood Junior High and Crestwood High School

The Bullying/Harassment Incident Reporting Form can also be printed and dropped at any school office.

• Cresco Police Chief Tim Ruroden said he would rather see the schools handle the situation with their own policies. He did say students can talk to police officers if they haven’t found the incident resolved or if it continues or escalates. “It would be a case by case assessment,” he noted.

• Sheriff Mike Miner said, “If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your parents or school officials, you can talk to any deputy. We can meet at your house, or you can come to the office.”