Ensuring CM safety: Community forum on safety initiatives held

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ADAMS TWP.– The Clinton-Massie Local School District recently held a community forum on school safety. Superintendent Matt Baker opened the forum with an overview of recent and ongoing school safety improvements for the audience of approximately 50 parents, students, and community members.

As part of the ongoing safety initiatives, students’ mental health and well-being are a priority for the district. The district’s social worker Rachel Sams spoke about several resources available to students and families. This is Sams’ second year as the district’s full-time school social worker.

Clinton-Massie offers students and families counseling, referrals, assistance, and partners with other agencies and organizations to provide comprehensive services to students.

Representatives from both Solutions Community Counseling and Recovery Centers and Beech Acres Parenting Center were on-hand to provide information about their services.

Baker then discussed specific steps being taken to improve school safety including the recent upgrades to the doors that access the Wilmington Public Library located on the CM campus. This particular security concern had been identified by both staff and students as a priority in maintaining secure access to the high school.

Parents and community members had the opportunity to ask questions and suggest ideas to improve the safety of students and increase security throughout the school district.

Topics ranged from adding more school resource officers, social workers, metal detectors, and bullet-proof glass to possibly allowing some staff with special training to carry pepper spray or firearms.

Baker interacted with the audience as several ideas were discussed in further detail and notes were taken regarding safety concerns and ideas. Indicating that while student safety is priority one, Baker also mentioned that there are real budgetary constraints that have to be addressed with any school safety improvements.

Ultimately, Baker wants to assess and determine proposals for school safety improvements that can be presented to the board of education for consideration.

Parents and community members were asked to take time to speak with their children and students about safety concerns and if they see something, say something. The school district superintendent and central office can be reached at 937-289-2471. CM also has hotlines available for students and parents for both mental health and safety concerns.

Students or parents with mental health or other well-being concerns can call the Crisis Hotline at 877-695-NEED (877-695-6333) or text 4hope to 741741. If anyone has information or a concern about school safety, they can call or text the Tip Line at 844-SAFEROH (844-723-3764).

Superintendent Matt Baker responds to a question at Clinton-Massie’s school safety forum.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2018/03/web1_2018-CM-School-Safety-Forum.jpgSuperintendent Matt Baker responds to a question at Clinton-Massie’s school safety forum. Courtesy photo
Community forum on safety initiatives held

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