5151.5 Suicide Prevention and Intervention
The Newtown Board of Education (the “Board”) recognizes that suicide is a complex issue and that schools are not mental health
treatment centers. The Newtown Public Schools (the “District”) cannot be expected to thoroughly evaluate and eliminate suicidal risk. Nevertheless, school personnel may become aware of specific factual circumstances in which a student has communicated a suicidal intent or other specific circumstances in which a student is perceived by school staff to be at risk for suicide. In such cases, the Board is committed to respond in a supportive manner, both aggressively and immediately, to a student who has attempted, has threatened, or who communicates that they are considering attempting suicide.
Any Board employee who has knowledge that a student has made a suicidal threat or attempt or exhibited suicidal ideation must
immediately report this information to the building principal or designee, who will, in turn, notify appropriate Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) staff. PPS staff, with administrative assistance, if necessary, will contact the student's family and appropriate resources within and outside the school system, as permitted by law. The Board further directs the school staff to refer students who come to their attention as being at risk of attempting suicide for professional assessment and treatment services outside of the school. Information concerning a student's suicide attempt, threat or risk will be shared with others only as permitted by state and federal law.
In recognition of the need for youth suicide prevention procedures, the Board directs the Superintendent or designee to adopt and maintain administrative regulations addressing youth suicide prevention.
Training will be provided for teachers, other school staff, and students regarding the prevention of and response to youth suicide.
Legal Reference:
Connecticut General Statutes § 10-220a
Connecticut General Statutes § 10-221(f)
Public Act 23-167, “An Act Concerning Transparency in Education.” ADOPTED:September 3, 2025 Newtown Public Schools