PLAINSBORO: WW-P schools looking at ways to curb violent acts

By Allison Musante, Staff Writer
   PLAINSBORO — The Board of Education will be reviewing the student code of conduct among other policies in an ongoing effort to keep schools safe, following a report showing that incidents of violence and substance abuse among students are increasing.
   David Aderhold, assistant superintendent of pupil services and planning, presented the 2009-2010 Annual Report of Violence and Vandalism at the board’s meeting Tuesday night. The report, which has been a state requirement since 1999, gives information concerning the number and types of incidents, victims and offenders, type of actions taken and the financial cost to the district.
   Total incidents among the two high schools and middle schools, including acts of violence, vandalism, weapons and substance abuse, rose by about 30 percent; 49 incidents were reported last year, compared to 64 incidents this year.
   The two most significant increases, both about 65 percent, were observed in the categories of substance abuse and violence: 20 incidents of violence were reported last year, compared to 33 incidents this year; 11 incidents of substance abuse were reported last year, compared with 18 this year.
   ”There are clearly issues of concern,” Mr. Aderhold said. “It’s a big conversation and it’s ongoing, but we’ll definitely be looking at not just the regulations of our codes, but changing the level of expectations for our students, how we change behaviors with consequences in grade-appropriate ways.”
   The majority of all incidents, 54, occurred between North and South high schools, and 10 occurred between Community and Grover middle schools.
   According to the statewide report for 2008-2009 school year, released Wednesday, the total number of incidents has shown a consistent decrease over the past three years. This year shows a 3 percent decrease of total acts overall, from 17,666 incidents last year to 17,048 this year.
   ”School districts appear to be making strides in reducing school-related violence,” said Acting Commissioner Rochelle Hendricks, according to a statement by the Department of Education. “This three-year trend report can serve as a tool for districts and parents to track the progress of efforts to curb these unwanted incidents. The safety and well-being of students continues to be one of the Department of Education’s top priorities.”
   Mr. Aderhold said that the data should be reviewed according to individual incidents to see if there are anomalies and how to target specific areas of improvement. For example, the data shows that most incidents occurred in non-classroom space, such as hallways and lunchrooms.
   ”That’s telling because it shows we’ve made improvements in reducing violence in the classroom, so we know we need to see how we can better monitor students outside the classroom,” he said.
   Specifically, the board is planning to review the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Activities Contract, the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy and the District Crisis Plan, Mr. Aderhold said. Mr. Aderhold’s presentation marked the end of the annual School Violence Awareness Week, held from Oct. 18 to 22. Across the schools, teachers, counselors and peer leaders discussed topics such as conflict resolution, stress management, and cyberbullying. As a district-wide initiative, the acronym T-H-I-N-K was displayed on all school computers, reminding students to be safe and respectful online.
   Wendy Alley, a guidance counselor at High School North and Community Middle School, said the events prove to be motivational in the short-term, but the challenge is to keep momentum going throughout the year.
   ”School Violence Awareness week is like a Hallmark holiday,” she said. “Just like Mother’s Day shouldn’t be the only day you acknowledge your mother — people get excited by what happens now, but the question we’re all dealing with now is how we do keep the tide flowing?”
   She said many other programs throughout the year promote values of respecting others, expelling stereotypes and embracing diversity. She said one of the most effective programs of the year is an annual performance from actor Michael Fowlin in the eighth-grade classes. Using character impersonations, he discusses teenage issues such as harassment, suicide and eating disorders. He is performing Monday at the middle schools.