Westfield Public Schools Reports on Violence, Vandalism, Substance Abuse

The Westfield Public School district released the its semi-annual report on violence, vandalism, and substance abuse and harassment, intimidation and bullying at the April 14 meeting of the Westfield Board of Education.

The semi-annual state mandated report included incidents between Sept. 1, 2014 and Dec, 31, 2014, the school district said. The report conducted by Superintendent Margaret Dolan revealed that six violence, vandalism or substance abuse incidents occurred and seven investigations into harassment, intimidation and bullying took place, with two confirmed cases.

“It is our expectation that all Westfield Public School children are learning respect for themselves, others, and their community,” Dolan said. “We want our students to leave our schools holding on to these important values. The underlying work of our staff, with the cooperation of parents, helps to make this an achievable goal.”

In response to violence, vandalism and substance abuse incidents, the superintendent reported one instance of police notifications and a complaint filed, five short-term suspensions and two unspecified disciplinary actions.

The district responses involving instances of harassment, intimidation and bullying included two parent conferences, two student conferences and five suspensions.

The two confirmed incidents took place at Washington Elementary School and Edison Intermediate School.

“Our work takes form in many ways,” Dolan added, “such as: counselors provide lessons; classroom readings and discussion; review of Code of Conduct; review of Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights; student essays, poems and public service announcements promoting respect, tolerance and conflict management; presentations on resilience, self-control and ways to reduce stress; peer leader training; and Pillars of Character.”

Visit Westfield Public Schools’ website to read the entire report.