The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--From the School Department:
Since the beginning of this month some students in Brockton's public schools have been able to send anonymous texts and web tips to school administrators and School Police through a new software program, officials said in a prepared statement.
The Brockton Public Schools is now using TipSoft SMS, a text- and web-based anonymous tip line, in order to provide middle and high school students with an easy way to let school administrators and School Police know about bullying or other activities that concern them in and out of school.
“The safety of our students is our foremost priority. Students expect school to be a refuge for them, a place where they can concentrate on learning and feel safe in their environment,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone.
“Our administrators often hear of issues in the community before they happen, and TipSoft is another way students can share information or concerns about things going on around them that they think officials--school or police--need to know about.”
The popularity of text messaging has created a significant opportunity for students and the public to help fight crime, said Michael Thomas, acting executive director of operations for Brockton Public Schools.
The low-cost program allows students to text a message to school administrators, sharing information about potential problems at school, concern over a classmate’s behavior or reporting suspicious behavior they may have observed.
"TipSoft is going to be a big help to school administrators and police in preventing problems and dealing with issues in the community,” said Thomas, a former Housemaster at BHS.
“We hope the fact that it is completely anonymous will also empower kids to report bullying and come forward with information about things that concern them.”
Ward 5 School Committee Member Bill Carpenter found the program and recommended its implementation to fellow members of the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Safety & Security, a group that was formed to look at school safety districtwide, especially in the wake of a shooting outside the BHS gymnasium on the evening of Dec 2, 2009. Carpenter worked with Thomas,Brockton Police Officer Al Gazerro and Edward Jacoubs, director of grants and special projects for the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, to bring TipSoft to the Brockton Public Schools.
Carpenter said he hopes students will use TipSoft as a help line, to reach out for help for themselves or friends who are coping with domestic or gang violence, who are being pressured to use drugs, teens who may be considering suicide or who know of dangerous behaviors in their midst.
“We’re trying to get our kids to communicate with us and tell us what’s going on using the means they are most comfortable with, which these days is text messaging,” said Carpenter.
“This is probably going to have a lot more to do with getting help and counseling and wraparound services, so that we can help kids deal with issues before they escalate … we are really looking to get a child that’s at risk in for a conversation with an adjustment counselor.”
Using TipSoft Text Tips, information may be anonymously received and securely replied to with complete confidence.
The service was built specifically to allow text messaging informants to remain anonymous by encrypting the text messages and routing them through several secure servers, protecting the personal details of the informant. The program was purchased for less than $3,000 and costs just $2,000 a year, Thomas said.
“This is an important tool for law enforcement, because the more information we have, the better able we are able to plan our response and formulate prevention,” said Lt. Donald Mills, who oversees the nine-member School Police unit.
TipSoft SMS also allows police to respond by text message to the originating cellphone without ever knowing the identity of the individual who left the tip.
The user’s information is always assigned an alias and a unique ID before being sent. This secure application allows the tipster and the investigator to have two-way dialog while keeping the user’s identity totally anonymous.
Using TipSoft, students can text school administrators through a secure server by texting 274637, the Brockton Public Schools’ TipSoft account. The students identify their school by typing in their school’s keyword, and then the information they want to convey.
For example, a South Middle School student would text 274637, put “Dragons” in the subject line and then text in their report. The call is routed through TipSoft’s server and sent anonymously to the South Middle School leadership team. Students can also send anonymous TipSoft reports through the district webpage, www.brocktonpublicschools.com, by linking through the “Contact Us” port.
The Brockton Public Schools encourages students to report information about any non-urgent illegal activity, such as vandalism, theft, the sale and distribution of drugs or information about crimes that are being planned.
Students who discover information from MySpace, Facebook or YouTube and anonymously text in a tip may help prevent a tragedy. Officials also hope this will be another avenue for students who are being bullied or who witness bullying to alert officials, Lt. Mills said.
TipSoft is currently used by the Colorado Public School System, University of Miami and in communities all across the United States, Canada and UK.
Additional information on TipSoft Text Tips can be found on the Web at www.smscrimetips.com.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
THIS WEEK IN BROCKTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20
Arnone: Holiday Concert Café. T.B.A.
Brookfield: Kindergarten Play (Snow date 12/21) Café. 10 a.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting 7 p.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 3 – Mrs. Ferro 1:15 p.m.
Davis: Holiday Concert Café 6:30 p.m.
East: Holiday Concert Auditorium. 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Chorus Holiday Performance Café 9:30 & 10:15 a.m.
South: Grade 8 Field Trip – Zeiterion Theater New Bedford. During School
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Brookfield: Chorus Concert Café 9:30 a.m.
Kennedy: Title One ~ Book Talk Breakfast –Gr. 5 – Ms. Mancini 9:15 a.m.
Huntington: Title One ~ Book Talk Pizza –Gr. 4 – Ms. O’Brien TBA
Early release for school vacation
Arnone: Holiday Concert Café. T.B.A.
Brookfield: Kindergarten Play (Snow date 12/21) Café. 10 a.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting 7 p.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 3 – Mrs. Ferro 1:15 p.m.
Davis: Holiday Concert Café 6:30 p.m.
East: Holiday Concert Auditorium. 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Chorus Holiday Performance Café 9:30 & 10:15 a.m.
South: Grade 8 Field Trip – Zeiterion Theater New Bedford. During School
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Brookfield: Chorus Concert Café 9:30 a.m.
Kennedy: Title One ~ Book Talk Breakfast –Gr. 5 – Ms. Mancini 9:15 a.m.
Huntington: Title One ~ Book Talk Pizza –Gr. 4 – Ms. O’Brien TBA
Early release for school vacation
Friday, December 17, 2010
Anti-Bullying Plan Heads to State For Approval
The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--From the School Department:
The Brockton Public Schools has finalized a new Bully Prevention and Intervention Model Plan in accordance with the state’s new law prohibiting bullying and retaliation in schools.
At its December 7 meeting, the School Committee unanimously adopted the plan, which was developed over a number of months by a team of teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, parents, law enforcement officials and representatives of the special education, wellness and nursing departments, as well as community partners. The plan has been submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for final approval.
“This plan is comprehensive: there was an enormous amount of thought, hard work and expertise that was invested in its creation. The Brockton Plan is unique – it was created entirely by our staff, parents and partners to address the needs of our Brockton students today and in the future,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone in a prepared statement.
“We have built upon our strengths and closed the gaps so that our schools are safe, bully-free environments where all students can achieve," he said.
Throughout the fall, an anti-bullying steering committee met numerous times to develop the three-page plan and accompanying materials.
The group’s focus was to create a policy prohibiting bullying and retaliation in Brockton Public Schools, develop procedures for receiving and responding to reports of bullying, and establish protocols for supporting students who have been the victims of bullying while addressing the behavior of the aggressor.
Students in all grades will benefit from prevention curriculums that are culturally sensitive, are adaptable to diverse learning needs and support and empower students to understand the dynamics of bullying and to take appropriate action when necessary.
“No document is going to answer every question and cover every base when it comes to childhood bullying, but we believe that this plan is as all-encompassing as possible,” said Mary Ellen Kirrane, Department Head of Wellness, K-8.
“This plan gives the district a roadmap for not only addressing bullying, but also addressing the climate in our schools. It is our obligation to ensure that all students feel welcome, safe and comfortable seeking out trusted adults when a problem or concern arises,” she said.
The plan provides parent resources; a checklist of steps for staff to take to address the behavior and support the victim. The Steering Committee also developed resources and activities for classroom teachers to conduct lessons on recognizing bullying and how to respond to it.
The state’s anti-bullying law was signed by Governor Deval Patrick in May after a high school student in Western Massachusetts, who had reportedly been bullied by classmates, committed suicide.
Kirrane said the tragedy helped focus educators’ attention on the impact of bullying and sparked conversations among parents, students and schools about how best to address the problem.
“From this tragedy has come a state-wide recognition that bullying is an issue and we all need to address it together – schools, students, parents and communities,” Kirrane said.
BROCKTON--From the School Department:
The Brockton Public Schools has finalized a new Bully Prevention and Intervention Model Plan in accordance with the state’s new law prohibiting bullying and retaliation in schools.
At its December 7 meeting, the School Committee unanimously adopted the plan, which was developed over a number of months by a team of teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, parents, law enforcement officials and representatives of the special education, wellness and nursing departments, as well as community partners. The plan has been submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for final approval.
“This plan is comprehensive: there was an enormous amount of thought, hard work and expertise that was invested in its creation. The Brockton Plan is unique – it was created entirely by our staff, parents and partners to address the needs of our Brockton students today and in the future,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew H. Malone in a prepared statement.
“We have built upon our strengths and closed the gaps so that our schools are safe, bully-free environments where all students can achieve," he said.
Throughout the fall, an anti-bullying steering committee met numerous times to develop the three-page plan and accompanying materials.
The group’s focus was to create a policy prohibiting bullying and retaliation in Brockton Public Schools, develop procedures for receiving and responding to reports of bullying, and establish protocols for supporting students who have been the victims of bullying while addressing the behavior of the aggressor.
Students in all grades will benefit from prevention curriculums that are culturally sensitive, are adaptable to diverse learning needs and support and empower students to understand the dynamics of bullying and to take appropriate action when necessary.
“No document is going to answer every question and cover every base when it comes to childhood bullying, but we believe that this plan is as all-encompassing as possible,” said Mary Ellen Kirrane, Department Head of Wellness, K-8.
“This plan gives the district a roadmap for not only addressing bullying, but also addressing the climate in our schools. It is our obligation to ensure that all students feel welcome, safe and comfortable seeking out trusted adults when a problem or concern arises,” she said.
The plan provides parent resources; a checklist of steps for staff to take to address the behavior and support the victim. The Steering Committee also developed resources and activities for classroom teachers to conduct lessons on recognizing bullying and how to respond to it.
The state’s anti-bullying law was signed by Governor Deval Patrick in May after a high school student in Western Massachusetts, who had reportedly been bullied by classmates, committed suicide.
Kirrane said the tragedy helped focus educators’ attention on the impact of bullying and sparked conversations among parents, students and schools about how best to address the problem.
“From this tragedy has come a state-wide recognition that bullying is an issue and we all need to address it together – schools, students, parents and communities,” Kirrane said.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Gas Odor Spurs Huntington School Evacuation
The BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Brockton's Huntington Elementary School students were suprisingly interrupted from their studies for about 30 minutes Thursday morning when the school was evacuated due to an odor of gas.
Deputy Fire Chief George Phillips said the fire department received a call at about 9:36 a.m. this morning from a teacher at the Warren Avenue school reporting there was a smell of gas in an area of the school.
He said students were shepherded by staff and administators to the south end of the school's parking lot while fire department personnel investigated the building.
"It was like a fire drill," Phillips said.
Phillips said department members used gas meters and found "no levels" of gas within the building.
He said the gas company, which also sent representatives to the school, reported it had installed a new boiler in the school's basement a couple of days before and the boiler could have been the source of the gas-smell.
Phillips said the incident lasted about 30 minutes and students were outside in today's 30 degree temperatures for about 20 minutes or so.
"Once we found that there wasn't a problem, we got them in as quickly as we could," Phillips said. "If there was a problem we would have made immediate plans to move the students inside," he said.
BROCKTON--Brockton's Huntington Elementary School students were suprisingly interrupted from their studies for about 30 minutes Thursday morning when the school was evacuated due to an odor of gas.
Deputy Fire Chief George Phillips said the fire department received a call at about 9:36 a.m. this morning from a teacher at the Warren Avenue school reporting there was a smell of gas in an area of the school.
He said students were shepherded by staff and administators to the south end of the school's parking lot while fire department personnel investigated the building.
"It was like a fire drill," Phillips said.
Phillips said department members used gas meters and found "no levels" of gas within the building.
He said the gas company, which also sent representatives to the school, reported it had installed a new boiler in the school's basement a couple of days before and the boiler could have been the source of the gas-smell.
Phillips said the incident lasted about 30 minutes and students were outside in today's 30 degree temperatures for about 20 minutes or so.
"Once we found that there wasn't a problem, we got them in as quickly as we could," Phillips said. "If there was a problem we would have made immediate plans to move the students inside," he said.
Monday, December 6, 2010
THIS WEEK IN BROCKTON PUIBLIC SCHOOLS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6
Angelo: School Improvement Council Meeting. Conference Room 9:30 a.m.
Brookfield: Holiday Shoppe runs through 12/6 During School.
Gilmore: School Improvement Council Meeting. Library 5:30 p.m.
Gilmore: P.T.A. Meeting. Library 6 p.m.
Hancock: School Improvement Council Meeting. Library 5:30 p.m.
Hancock: P.T.A. Meeting Library 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting. Mary E. Baker School, Cafetorium. 7 p.m.
Parents’ Academy, "Building Children’s Confidence and Self Esteem," Arnone School 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental - K & Gr. 1 During School.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag –Gr. 3- Mrs. Werb 8:50 a.m.
Davis: Holiday Workshop runs through 12/10 Small Gym. During school.
Davis: P.T.A. Meeting. Library 6 p.m.
Huntington: Title One ~ Parent & Child Math Workshop –K – Gr. 1 1:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
B.P.S. Community School Advisory Board Meeting BHS Red IRC 7 p.m.
Parents’ Academy, "Learning about the Parent Institute for Quality Education PIQE,"
Arnone School 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental – Gr. 2 & Gr. 3 During school.
Huntington: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Maddock, Noon.
Huntington: Grade 5 Field Trip – The Peabody Museum. During school
West: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert (snow date 12/9) Auditorium 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental – Gr. 4 & Gr. 5 During school.
Arnone: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Smith 8:50 a.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Gordon 12:45 p.m.
Baker: P.T.A. Meeting. Community Room 7 p.m.
Davis: A Christmas Wizard of Oz: Lights on for the Arts Performance, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Grade 3 Field Trip – Fuller Craft Museum. During school.
North: KTA (Kids Take Action) Holiday Concert Guardian Center 2:30 p.m.
Plouffe: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert Café 7 p.m.
Raymond: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert Café 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
Davis: A Christmas Wizard of Oz: Lights on for the Arts Performance 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Holiday Shop Activity Gym 6:30 p.m.
SPED: Family Support Workshop – Visual Support Strategies Gilmore 9 a.m.
Angelo: School Improvement Council Meeting. Conference Room 9:30 a.m.
Brookfield: Holiday Shoppe runs through 12/6 During School.
Gilmore: School Improvement Council Meeting. Library 5:30 p.m.
Gilmore: P.T.A. Meeting. Library 6 p.m.
Hancock: School Improvement Council Meeting. Library 5:30 p.m.
Hancock: P.T.A. Meeting Library 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7
B.P.S. School Committee Meeting. Mary E. Baker School, Cafetorium. 7 p.m.
Parents’ Academy, "Building Children’s Confidence and Self Esteem," Arnone School 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental - K & Gr. 1 During School.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag –Gr. 3- Mrs. Werb 8:50 a.m.
Davis: Holiday Workshop runs through 12/10 Small Gym. During school.
Davis: P.T.A. Meeting. Library 6 p.m.
Huntington: Title One ~ Parent & Child Math Workshop –K – Gr. 1 1:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
B.P.S. Community School Advisory Board Meeting BHS Red IRC 7 p.m.
Parents’ Academy, "Learning about the Parent Institute for Quality Education PIQE,"
Arnone School 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental – Gr. 2 & Gr. 3 During school.
Huntington: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Maddock, Noon.
Huntington: Grade 5 Field Trip – The Peabody Museum. During school
West: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert (snow date 12/9) Auditorium 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
Angelo: RIF: Reading is Fundamental – Gr. 4 & Gr. 5 During school.
Arnone: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Smith 8:50 a.m.
Baker: Title One ~ Family Book Bag – Gr. 1 - Mrs. Gordon 12:45 p.m.
Baker: P.T.A. Meeting. Community Room 7 p.m.
Davis: A Christmas Wizard of Oz: Lights on for the Arts Performance, 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Grade 3 Field Trip – Fuller Craft Museum. During school.
North: KTA (Kids Take Action) Holiday Concert Guardian Center 2:30 p.m.
Plouffe: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert Café 7 p.m.
Raymond: Holiday Band & Chorus Concert Café 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
Davis: A Christmas Wizard of Oz: Lights on for the Arts Performance 6 p.m.
Kennedy: Holiday Shop Activity Gym 6:30 p.m.
SPED: Family Support Workshop – Visual Support Strategies Gilmore 9 a.m.
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