Dear Everyone Learning @ ARPS
As you know, we want to keep you informed as situations arise. As frequent readers of our updates on everything from achievement to budgets, I thank you for staying tuned in to our work with your children. As you may be aware or will note below, sometimes news is just that, "news" of situations that arise in our schools. I wish it were a perfect world without conflict, but our towns and schools are not immune to the realities we read about in news across the country. As you know, too, we are working aggressively on school safety and security this year. The situation below is a reminder of why we work continuously on prevention and communications.
The letter below is being sent home with elementary and middle school students today. Mr. Jackson is sending a letter to high school families.
Thank you.
Jere Hochman
November 9, 2006
Dear Parents and Guardians:
I want to inform you of a situation that was handled by our high school administration and the Amherst Police regarding the safety of our children. While this was not directly connected to the middle school or the elementary schools, we want you to have the information as well.
Most importantly, all students are safe as school continues. Given some information we received late Wednesday about a potential problem, we investigated the situation, extra safety precautions were taken at the high school, and all schools were alerted of the situation.
Last night, we received information about a potential conflict involving ARHS students. The information about the conflict involved the possibility of weapons being brought to the High School today. The police were notified immediately and began investigating with the students and their families at their homes. Mr. Jackson, high school principal, stayed in contact with the police through the evening and well before the start of the day on Thursday. The high school administration is continuing to cooperate with the police as they proceed with their investigation.
While we believe the potential conflict has been isolated and there was no threat toward students or the school, extra precautions were taken today. Police were present at the school today to maintain a level of security and sense of safety. The adult presence in halls and at entrances continued as usual. We will continue our heightened awareness at all schools as always.
I would like you to know that we take safety and security quite seriously. As we work to maintain a balance of an open and inviting atmosphere in our schools, our priority is to keep our students safe and our buildings secure. As noted in this situation, we respond immediately to tips and information, we take all concerns seriously as if they are real, and we work with the police and others to investigate what is fact and what is not.
Most importantly, this is a teachable moment for our students. The message to them is that they are safe at school and that it is "ok to tell" if they know something might occur that could be hurtful or harmful. Telling an adult about something bad possibly happening is not "tattling" as they like to say, rather it is "ok" and the right thing to do. Also, we encourage everyone in conversations about this with children not to speculate or sensationalize the situation. Children take their cues from us. We encourage teachers to ask how students feel and listen to them without creating elevated concern in the process.
If you have any questions or concerns about this situation or school safety in general, you can email me at hochmanj@arps.org or call our office, 362-1823, if you would like me to call you. You can certainly contact your principal about school specific questions at any time.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Jere Hochman
Superintendent
AGENDA for REGULAR Meeting of AMHERST School Committee
7:00 PM, TUESDAY—November 14, 2006
High School Library
1. Vote for Executive Session—None
2. Welcome—7:00 PM
· A. Call to Order & Agenda Review
· B. Minutes—October 17, 2006
3. Announcements and Public Comment—7:05 PM
4. Superintendent's Update—7:10 PM
5. Unfinished/Continuing Business—7:50 PM
A. Policies for Approval
· 110.07 additional guideline - minor changes to policy
· 110.13 Staff communications and school visits
· 110.17 School Committee electronic communication
· 400.14 Non-custodial parents' rights
· 410.17 Hazing
· 410.19 Student-to-student harassment
· 410.03 Enrollment: Student Admissions
· 410.04 Non-Resident Students
· 420.05 Interrogation and Searches
B. Policies for First Read
· 410.02 Enrollment attendance age
6. New Business—8:00 PM
· Hampshire Educational Collaborative
· Budget Timeline
· ACTV Committee Representative
· AYP
7. Reports—7:20 PM
· Food Services
8. School Committee Planning—8:20 PM
· A. Sub-committee reports—
· B. Items for upcoming meetings
· C. Calendar review
9. Adjourn—8:30 PM