Promote Respect
Promote Respect is Chesterfield County Public Schools’ division-wide initiative to educate students, staff, and families about bullying prevention and positive behavior expectations.
It is a year-round program focused on proactive, positive interventions that teach, model, and reinforce respect as a daily habit in our schools.
The program emphasizes consistent language and shared understanding of what respect looks and sounds like starting with respect for self, respect for others, and respect for property. It also outlines clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing bullying behavior.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is defined as any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate another person. It involves:
A real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor(s) and the target
Repetition over time or severity that causes significant emotional trauma
May include cyberbullying or online harassment
Bullying does not include ordinary teasing, disagreements, or peer conflict. It is deliberate behavior that crosses the line into emotional or physical harm.
What Is Bullying?
Reports of possible bullying can come from many sources including students, teachers, administrators, counselors, or family members. Anyone who witnesses or experiences bullying is encouraged to report it immediately.
While individuals are encouraged, not required, to identify themselves, providing contact information helps staff gather details and ensure a complete follow-up. Every CCPS school designates two Promote Respect leads trusted adults responsible for maintaining systems that prevent and respond to bullying.
When a report is received:
Designated staff members are alerted and begin the review process.
An investigation is conducted to understand what occurred and determine whether bullying behavior took place.
Appropriate interventions and supports are implemented for all parties involved focusing on safety, accountability, and education.
Follow-up communication ensures the situation is resolved and no further harm occurs.
Each school’s homepage includes a link with detailed instructions on how to report bullying, ensuring the process is accessible and transparent to everyone.
About the Program
Promote Respect was developed using research-based best practices and fulfills the Virginia state mandate requiring all school divisions to establish clear policies and procedures for bullying prevention and response.
This initiative is more than just a policy it’s a comprehensive effort to build respectful, safe, and inclusive learning environments.
Key program components include:
Staff Training: Teachers and staff receive ongoing professional development on recognizing, preventing, and intervening in bullying situations.
Student Education: Students learn about respect, empathy, and responsible digital citizenship empowering them to act when they see or experience bullying.
Promote Respect Committees: Each school has a dedicated committee that reinforces program goals, monitors implementation, and coordinates awareness activities throughout the year.
Data Monitoring: Schools regularly review climate data, track reported incidents, and assess trends to identify areas for improvement and ensure positive school culture.
Through this comprehensive approach, Promote Respect continues to strengthen relationships, promote empathy, and create school communities where every student feels safe, valued, and respected.