NPS District Policy & Plan
Report Bullying Now
Newton Public Schools District Policy
In March 2010, following a discussion that emerged out of the NPS Wellness Committee, an Anti-Bullying Task Force was formed in advance of the passage of an Act Relative to Bullying in Schools in May 2010. This work, in conjunction with the work of The Newton Partnership, put us well on the path of addressing what eventually became law.
The law requires each school system to develop a comprehensive plan that includes very specific requirements and obligations having to do with policies, procedures, staff training, and curriculum. On November 22, 2010, Dr. Paul Stein, along with members of the Anti-Bullying Task Force, presented a draft anti-bullying policy and Newton’s plan to fulfill these requirements. On December 13, 2010, the NPS School Committee voted to accept this policy, and on March 28, 2011, a revised policy was accepted. This policy was updated and approved on October 26, 2015 by the School Committee. View the Bullying Prevention & Intervention Policy on our policies website.
The Bullying Prevention & Intervention Plan which is implemented by the School Department was revised and updated in 2022. Click to access the Bullying Prevention & Intervention Plan.
Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71, Section 37O (M.G.L. c. 71, §37O) was amended in 2013. The definition of "perpetrator" now includes "a member of a school staff, including, but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to an extracurricular activity or paraprofessional."