Bullying Policy

Bullying Complaint Form

If you believe that your child has been subjected to bullying, please complete the complaint form to the left and contact an administrator at your child's school. They will speak with you concerning the process and next steps.

Bullying behavior by any student in the New Fairfield Public Schools is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. "Bullying" means an act that is direct or indirect and severe, persistent or pervasive which:

A.  causes physical or emotional harm to an individual,

B.  Places an individual in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm, or

C.  Infringes on the rights and opportunities of an individual at school.

P.A. 11-232 prohibits retaliation against those who report bullying and requires school officials to notify police when they believe bullying conduct constitutes a crime.  Bullying shall include, but need not be limited to, a written, verbal or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or physical, mental, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.

Students who engage in any act of bullying, on school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by the Board of Education, or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the Board of Education, and outside of the school setting if such bullying:

A.   Creates a hostile environment at school for the victim,

B.   Infringes on the rights of the victim at school, or

C.  Substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Students and/or parents/guardians may file verbal or written complaints concerning suspected bullying behavior, and students shall be permitted to anonymously report acts of bullying to school employees. Any report of suspected bullying behavior will be promptly reviewed.  If acts of bullying are verified, prompt disciplinary action may be taken against the perpetrator, consistent with his/her rights of due process. Board policy and regulation #5131.911 set forth this prohibition and the related procedures in detail, and are available to students and their parents/guardians upon request.