1 Worcester Public Schools A Collaborative-Proactive Approach to provide a Safe Teaching and Learning Environment

2 Mayor’s Advisory Committee on At-Risk-Youth Primary Goal: To share information and network among each other to prevent and respond to youth issues affecting the Worcester community

3 Mayor’s Advisory Committee on At-Risk-Youth Mayor SuperintendentCity Officials  District Attorney  Department of Youth Services  Local Legislators/ Councilors  Worcester District Court  Gang Unit  Worcester Juvenile Court  Department of Social Services  Neighborhood Centers  Invited Policy and Elected Government Officials Committee Members include:

4 Superintendent’s Communication Protocol Committee Primary Goal: To share current information in our community and to coordinate responses that prevent/deter youth and gang violence in our schools and community

5 Superintendent’s Communications Protocol Committee Superintendent Worcester Public Schools Worcester Police Department Community Impact Division Gang Unit Worcester Juvenile Court School-based Probation Officer/Liaison Department of Social Services District Attorney's Office School Safety Office Worcester Public Schools Designated Personnel from all Secondary Schools and Secondary Alternative Programs Department of Youth Services Department of Mental Health Superintendent's Communications Protocol Committee

6 Sharing of Information Protocol Participating Agencies Goals: Ensure a safe and secure school environment for all students; to enforce clear and consistent disciplinary actions regarding the illegal uses of: drugs, alcohol, weapons, and violence; and to provide teachers and parents with confidence that there is a consistent, cooperative effort by all officials to provide a safe learning climate in the Worcester Public Schools.

7 Worcester Public Schools Sharing of Information Protocol Participating Agencies Worcester Public Schools Worcester Police Community Impact Division Gang Unit Department of Social Services Department of Youth Services District Attorney’s Office Worcester Juvenile Court

8 Worcester School Prevention School Crisis Response Plans School Safety Training Video School Safety Audits School Safety Forums Health Education Curriculum CHINS Attendance Program Parent School Safety Brochure Safety Initiatives Strategies High-Risk Student Interventions Anti-Gang Classroom Program Sex Offender Registry Information List Anger Management Classes Truancy Intervention - ESSIP (Elementary/Secondary Intervention Program) -CHINS Attendance Program -Parent Outreach Program (Mandated by Juvenile Court)

9 Intervention Threat Protocol in Schools Student School Safety Center (from threats made to school personnel and/or to students) - Threat Protocol Response -Transition Program Strategies Specialized Staff Trainings - Physical Restraint Training (Mandated by State DOE) -Non-Violent Crisis Intervention -Critical Incident Stress Management -Bullying Training for Staff PBIS –Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports in Elementary and Middle Schools

10 The Student School Safety Center (SSSC) Referral Process Principal is notified that a threat has occurred. Principal contacts Safety Center staff to assess the situation. Psychologist/adjustment counselor completes “Student Safety Assessment (SSA)”; conveys results to principal. Principal utilizes “SSA” and other information to determine if a referral to the Student School Safety Center is appropriate. School Safety Office confirms, with principal, student placement at the Student School Safety Center. Within two school days, principal sends the “SSA” narrative to the School Safety Office. On the third day of student’s attendance at the SSSC, principal or designee attends 309 Case Conference.

11 Alternative Education Programs Woodward Day Alternative Program Central MA Collaborative (Long-Term Suspended Students) Gerald Creamer Center High School Returnee Program School – Age Mother’s Program (SAMS) Challenge and Reach Program (for secondary school students)

12 Recent School Safety Initiatives: Collaboration with Worcester Police Department and other Public Safety Agencies relative to Juvenile Justice Initiatives: –Emergency Guide for Personnel –Emergency Management Trainings –MMRS (City-Wide Bio-Terrorism Response Collaborative) Connect-ED (system-wide alert to inform parents of school safety incidents/crisis). Pandemic Flu Prevention Campaign