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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 15, 2024 Page 17 INCIDENT | FROM PAGE 1 daughter told her that staff did rush to break up the altercation between the two students and helped her daughter. She told The Saugus Advocate this week that she is now satisfied with the way school administrators have responded to the incident. She also said she has decided not to pursue criminal charges in the Juvenile Department of Lynn District Court against the girl who beat her daughter. • Some school and town officials are questioning the motives of other officials who have been lobbying for the hiring of a School Resource Officer (SRO) for “political reasons” rather than for improving public safety. Still, many officials who were questioned say they support the hiring of an SRO. Meanwhile, School Committee members say they are preparing an article to seek special funding for an SRO at this year’s Annual Town Meeting in May. • A majority of the Board of Selectmen say they are confident that the School Department has handled the March 4 beating incident properly. • In a series of interviews with The Saugus Advocate over the past week, town and school officials have offered their thoughts on what the town and the School Department need to do to ensure a safe learning environment for the kids. Hashem cites negative impact of cell phones In a statement to The Saugus Advocate yesterday, School Superintendent Michael Hashem said he agreed the student use of cell phones in school does adversely affect the educational process. “We are working to eliminate distractions to the educational process and a main SPLASH | FROM PAGE 16 ers for your effort to support our beaches and community,” said Rep. Jessica Giannino, who was also participating in her fourth consecutive cold-water plunge with Save the Harbor. “We might have to sacrifice a bit of our comfort jumping into the 39-degree water, but it’s well worth it to have amazing programming on our beaches for our youth, seniors, families and everyone to enjoy all summer long.” Kennedy Elsey from “Karson and Kennedy” on Mix 104.1 was the event MC for the 14th year in a row. She and factor impeding learning are cell phones and social media,” Hashem said. “While these devices and platforms are hugely useful, they too often negatively impact teaching and learning. Staff is working diligently to restrict student cell phone use, but it is challenging. At the secondary level cell phone use is not allowed in classrooms,” the superintendent said. “This year, the middle high school received a grant from DESE to help reduce cell phone usage in school. While the situation is not perfect, we are seeing positive results. Students are not allowed to use cell phones at the elementary level,” he said. “But as every parent, guardian, or caregiver knows, this is easier said than done. We will continue to work to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our students and staff and we ask that parents, guardians, and caregivers help us to message the importance of being responsible when it comes to technology.” Selectmen weigh in on issue The Saugus Advocate submitted a number of questions to school and town officials as to what they think should be done – whether they believe Saugus Public Schools would be better served with or without an SRO. They were asked what they think school officials, the school committee, faculty, staff, parents and teachers can and should do to ensure a safer learning environment. Here are some of the responses from selectmen: Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta: It is my understanding that the School Administration and School Committee did an investigation into this matJetBlue’s Donnie Todd judged the always popular costume contest, with winners Josette Williams from Dorchester (as a “Sea Goddess”) and Ohana New England Dragon Boat Team (in “Dragon Boat” team costume) each taking home a coveted round trip JetBlue flight as their prize. In total, six JetBlue flights were up for grabs for biggest fundraiser and biggest team as well as a raffle for anyone who raised over $100. “This event would simply not be possible or as fun without our friends and title sponsors at JetBlue, or our event sponsors at Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Dorchester Brewing ter and handled it fairly and promptly. Please know there is a zero tolerance for bullying. I believe more parent involvement is necessary because there needs to be repercussions for unacceptable student behavior. Communication is key. Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Jeffrey Cicolini: The entire administration has a zero tolerance policy for bullying and fighting. From what I am told the actions in the video are deeply concerning and definitely need to be addressed. I have full confidence that the School department and those charged with addressing this will handle this matter effectively and appropriately. I do support an SRO in the schools. That being said, everything I have read tells me SROs have very limited power to enforce rules and be involved in these types of situations. SROs function more as a liaison to have children build a rapport or build confidence in approaching our police officers. Obviously, this matter falls with the school administration and the school committee and they are the ones who have the knowledge and experience to address this matter. I support any and all resources that are needed to make our schools safer and a better environment for learning. No child should ever go to school in fear of being assaulted or chastised. It cannot and will not be tolerated. As a parent I do feel as though phones can be a distraction for our children’s learning experience. I do understand those who feel their child should be able to keep their phone with them in case of an emergency. However, oftentimes a phone can really hinder a child’s focus whether it be texting, games or surfCompany, Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, and FMC Ice Sports,” said Save the Harbor Executive Director, Chris Mancini. “I’m so grateful to the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Healey/Driscoll administration for their important annual investment in the Better Beaches Grant Program and free beach events all summer long.” Mancini also thanked Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the Blue Sky Collaborative, Boston Consulting Group, Calamari Fisheries, Coast Cannabis, Comcast, David Nardella, EveryDejaVu, Harpoon Brewery, NamaStay ing the web. I am following this topic closely as I am interested to see what the school department decides. I am not sure there is a right or wrong here. Either decision will result in one side being upset. Ultimately if proof can be shown that a “no phone in class policy” increases the quality of education that a child receives I would hope that parents would at least accept it as a factor in improving the overall quality of education in town. Selectman Corinne Riley: The fight on the video was shocking and very disturbing. It was very hard to watch. As far as what should be done in response, I don’t want to comment on this particular incident, as I don’t have the context that the teachers, School Administration and School Committee have. Their jobs are hard enough without me acting as a backseat driver. I will say that violence in the schools is a public safety issue, and that makes it a top priority. I’m happy to hear that the School Committee is considering submitting an Article to Town Meeting to fund a School Resource Officer. I look forward to that Article coming to the Board of Selectmen in addition to the Annual or Special Warrant for Town Meeting. School Resource Officers have the training, knowledge, and expertise to act as a first line of defense should a violent situation occur, and even to prevent violent situations in some instances. An SRO would help secure our students and staff, give them better peace of mind, and would also allow our teachers to focus more on what they’re best at - educating our students. All surrounding towns/cities have School Resource Officers, and Saugus should as well. Selectman Michael Serino: Sober, Voloo Sports, Income Research + Management, Izotope, Jeff Reagan, John Murphy, Kennedy Elsey, Mix 104.1, National Grid, P&G Gillette, the Richard Saltonstall Charitable Foundation, Topo Chico, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the YMCA of Greater Boston, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and the hundreds of people who took part in the JetBlue Shamrock Splash for their support. Proceeds from this year’s Shamrock Splash will be invested in free Better Beaches events and programs on the metropolitan region’s public beaches in Nahant, Lynn, I feel that any type of bullying is unacceptable. My heart goes out to the victim and her family. The kids involved and/ or who took videos of the assault, along with their parents, will hopefully reach out to the victim and her family. I am hopeful and confident that Police Chief Ricciardelli and the entire School Committee will do the right thing and take the appropriate action needed. Superintendent addresses other issues Superintendent Hashem issued the following statement to The Saugus Advocate in an attempt to address what school officials are doing to ensure safer school in the district: “As you know, safety and security for students and staff is our highest priority. We are and will continue to work to ensure that all students and staff are safe in our schools. We are committed to having safe, respectful and comfortable learning environments for all. “School administration continues to monitor and address student behaviors. We work to create environments that avoid issues and to de-escalate student issues when they occur. Naturally, additional support would always be of benefit, whether it be more teachers, support staff, counselors, administrators, or a school resource officer. Unfortunately situations do arise and these matters are addressed and consequences are given to ensure that everyone is held to social standards. So many positives are happening in our schools and we are teaching the students academic content, critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as social and emotional strategies to deal with life in 2024.” Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull. In 2023, this included over 200 free events including Diversity Matters Fest organized by the North Shore Juneteenth Association, the 19th Annual Endless Summer Waterfront Festival hosted by the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, yoga on Revere Beach hosted by NamaStay Sober, Community Game Nights at the Beach hosted by South Boston en Accion, and more all over our region’s beautiful beaches. More information is available on the Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay website at www. savetheharbor.org

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