The Newton Public Schools prohibit bullying (including cyberbullying):

• At school and at all school facilities
• At school-sponsored or school-related functions, whether on or off school grounds
• On school buses and at school bus stops
• Through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, licensed or used by a school; and
• At non-school-related locations and through non-school technology or electronic devices, if the bullying affects the school environment.

Encouraging others to target a student with any of the behaviors listed above is may also be considered bullying.

Every incident will be evaluated on a case by case basis and treated seriously. It is also important to remember that not every situation is, in fact, bullying. Sometimes misunderstandings and miscommunications result in someone feeling that they were a target of bullying even if that was not intended. The principal, assistant principal, housemaster or other staff person reviewing the initial Bullying Incident report will determine if the incident warrants further investigation.

The Newton Public Schools, in determining if a behavior is bullying, will consider the following questions: 

• Is there a pattern of repeated behaviors by one aggressor towards one or more target(s)?
• Has the behavior caused physical or emotional harm to the target student or damage to his or her property?
• Does the behavior put the target in reasonable fear of harm to him or herself or of damage to his or her property?
• Does the behavior create a hostile environment at school for the target student?
• Is this situation infringing on the rights of the target student at school?
• Is this behavior substantially disrupting the educational process or the orderly operation of the school?