The Needham Public Schools is committed to providing all students with a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment. This commitment is an integral part of our comprehensive efforts to promote learning, and to prevent and eliminate all forms of bullying, cyberbullying, and other harmful and disruptive behavior that can impede the learning process.
The Needham Public Schools recognizes that certain students may be more vulnerable to becoming a target of bullying or harassment based on actual or perceived differentiating characteristics including race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, socioeconomic status, homelessness, academic status, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, pregnant or parenting status, sexual orientation, mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with a person who has or is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics. The Needham Public Schools will take specific steps to create a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable populations in the school community, and provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing.
In order to create a school culture that prevents bullying, students, staff, and parents/guardians all have a responsibility to recognize and report bullying when they see it. We will promptly investigate all reports and complaints of bullying, cyber-bullying, and retaliation, and take prompt action to end that behavior and restore a sense of safety. We must also build a school environment that, by its very nature, prevents bullying before it occurs. This requires curricula and instructional programs, clear expectations for students, sound policies and procedures, professional development for all staff, and community education and outreach. The full Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (BPIP), school committee policy, and information on how to report bullying or retaliation is included below. Students/Families can request a hardcopy of the Plan by contacting: [email protected]
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (BPIP)
School Committee Policy JICFB: Bullying Prevention
Reporting an Incident of Bullying or Retaliation:
If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of bullying or retaliation, please let us know. Anyone, including a parent or guardian, student, or school staff member, can report bullying or retaliation. Reports can be made in
writing or orally to the principal or another staff member, or reports may be made anonymously.
Incident Report Form
School Administration contact information