Dear Everyone Learning @ Amherst, Pelham, and Regional Schools:
"It's ok to tell if something hurtful or bad is occurring or might occur."
In every instance of school violence in the past several decades, someone knew it was going to happen! Too often in schools and society, individuals ignore or choose not report that proverbial "uh oh" feeling -- the feeling that something uncomfortable or bad might happen or is happening. I am not talking about "tattle taling" as the kids might call it. I am talking about avoiding reporting a bad situation only to hear later on "Well, everyone knew that..." or "I never thought that would really happen."
Whether the concern or the feeling is one about an individual's discomfort, seeing something suspicious, worrying that someone might be hurt, or that something really bad might happen, we must convey to children and adults that "It's O.K. to tell."
On April 16, we will kick off our "well-being" campaign -- our campaign to ensure we are responsive to every person's well-being with sensitivity, skill, and objectivity.
After experiencing some situations, some high profile and some behind-the-scenes, where it became evident that many people had felt "uncomfortable" about them, we established a Responsiveness Committee to dissect the situations. Among the committee's many recommendations was that we must make sure students and adults know that, not only is it O.K., it is acting responsibly to talk to an adult about concerns. We must also make sure every adult knows what to do with such information that is brought to his or her attention.
The message we must convey is:
TATTLE-TALING is wrong because it is hurtful to others.
Responsible TELLING is right, it is O.K., because it keeps people from being hurt.
The message we must convey is:
If you know something bad is about to go down -- if something hurtful might occur -- it's O.K. to tell!
The message we must convey is:
If you have that "uh oh" feeling -- it's O.K. to tell!
Both students and adults may be afraid to report an "uh-oh" feeling or a concern for a variety of reasons. They may think they don't have all the facts. They may wonder "What if my concern is not accurate?" They may have concerns about retaliation if they report something. They may think they're "snitching." While we are cautious about gossip and fabrications, and while we will be objective and will not jump to conclusions, we will also make it safe for anyone to share that unsettled, uh-oh, something-bad-might-happen feeling.
Tell whom?
EVERY ADULT IN OUR SCHOOLS has been trained to be a "first responder." They know that if a student or an adult comes to them with a concern, they have a responsibility to convey that information to someone who knows how to handle it objectively--a second responder--and they know who those designated second responders are.
This is not my usual learning@arps message, but I hope I got your attention. We hope to get your children's attention, too, to insure everyone's safety and well-being.
Thank you.
Jere Hochman
Superintendent
Clerical/Media Awards Nominations Sought
Each year, in accordance with the negotiated contract with clerical/media staff, the School Committees grant merit awards to individuals serving the schools in these positions to recognize their outstanding contributions to students and schools. Any staff member, parent, or student may recommend a clerical/media staff member for such an award. Each Committee will award no fewer than two $500 awards per year. All nominations must be in writing and must be forwarded to the employees' immediate supervisor. Supervisors must submit letters to Debbie Westmoreland at Central Office by Friday, May 2nd. If you have had a particularly outstanding experience working with a member of the districts' talented clerical or media staff this year, please take a moment to nominate him or her for this great award!
ARHS Chorale Takes the Gold
Members of the ARHS Chorale, under the direction of Anita Cooper, won a Gold Medal Superior Rating at the MICCA (Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductor Association) Choral Festival the weekend of April 4-5th at Longmeadow High School. They participated with 85 other choral ensembles from all over the state. Each ensemble was judged on tone, phrasing, musicianship, diction, repertoire, etc. Every ensemble had a workshop after their performance, photo opportunity and the chance to see several other school groups perform. The Chorale has been invited to perform at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 13th or Symphony Hall in Boston on May 3rd. The time will be announced at a later date. Congratulations to these talented students and to their talented teacher!!
AGENDA for REGULAR Meeting of AMHERST School Committee
7:00 PM, TUESDAY—April 15, 2008
High School Library
Call for Executive Session
1. Welcome
A. Call to Order—Election of Officers
B. Agenda Review
C. Minutes—March 25, 2008
2. Announcements and Public Comment
3. Superintendent's Update
4. Unfinished/Continuing Business
A. JCPC Update
B. Sabbatical Proposals
C. FY09 Proposed Budget and Warrant Language
5. New Business
A. Long Range Planning
B. Policy: 700.05 Staff Matters: Criminal and Sexual Offender Record Information
6. Reports
7. Sub-Committee Reports
A. Interim Report from District Organization Committee
8. School Committee Planning
A. Calendar review
B. Items for upcoming
9. Adjournment