Parents Express Concerns Over Increased Violence at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Enfield, CT
Approximately a dozen concerned parents gathered at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Enfield, Connecticut, to discuss their fears regarding an escalating volume of violent incidents at the school. The meeting, which lasted over 90 minutes, was attended by newly appointed principal Sarah Brown and assistant principal Ashley Schell.
Parental Concerns Unaddressed
One parent, whose sixth-grader daughter has reportedly been threatened on the bus, shared her frustration over previous attempts to address the situation with the school administration. “I have gone through the administration with my daughter’s situation over and over again,” she lamented, “and they put her at the front of the bus – nothing substantial as far as punishments.” The parent added that her daughter has expressed feelings of unease about attending school.
Continuous Incidents of Violence
Another parent, who also has a sixth-grader, explained her reason for attending the meeting: “I’m here because the new principal changed the protocol on how we handle offenses of children being in fights. It has been constant incidents of kids being attacked,” she stated. “I came upon one video of a kid who was on the floor wrapped in a fetal position while other kids were just popping him – beating on him,” she continued. “One kid was filming it and there was no teacher in sight.”
Recognition and Response from School Administration
Principal Brown declined to comment directly to Patch, instead referring all questions to Superintendent of Schools Steven Moccio. In a statement, Moccio acknowledged the uptick in disruptive behavior at the school and emphasized the efforts being made to address the issue. “We recognize the uptick in behavior, specifically at JFK, and Ms. Brown and her fellow administrators are taking the necessary steps to address the matter,” he said.
Impact on Students
At Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting, Moccio addressed the surge in student misconduct, stating, “March saw a good size uptick in what student behaviors we were seeing.” He went on to praise the school staff for their handling of the situation thus far, but acknowledged the challenges they face. “I will say throughout the school year, the staff has done a phenomenal job, especially coming off of everything that occurred last spring.”
Contributing Factors
- Budget crisis resulting in staff and teacher layoffs
- Elimination of middle school sports programs
Several parents expressed their belief that these cuts have contributed to the rise in unacceptable behavior.
Improving the School Environment
Moccio also announced plans to reinforce expectations related to student behavior school-wide. “They will be reinforcing their expectations across the board related to student behavior,” he said. “We have procedures in place; a secure school isn’t necessarily about an outside threat, sometimes it’s utilized for medical emergencies, privacy matters and things of that nature. Every time we call that, in my opinion we have an increased level of anxiety that’s happening for kids.”
What Does This Mean for Me?
As a concerned parent or guardian of a student attending John F. Kennedy Middle School, you may be feeling uneasy about the recent uptick in violent incidents. It is essential to maintain open communication with your child’s teachers and administrators to ensure their safety and well-being. Be vigilant about any concerning behaviors or incidents you may observe and report them to the school administration.
How Will This Affect the World?
The increased violence at John F. Kennedy Middle School is not an isolated incident. Schools across the country are grappling with similar challenges. It is crucial for educators, administrators, and parents to work together to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students. By sharing resources, strategies, and best practices, we can make a positive impact on the educational experience for students everywhere.
In Conclusion
The recent surge in violent incidents at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Enfield, Connecticut, has left many parents feeling uneasy and concerned for their children’s safety. Principal Sarah Brown, assistant principal Ashley Schell, and Superintendent of Schools Steven Moccio are working to address the issue, but the challenges are significant. The impact of budget cuts and the elimination of middle school sports programs cannot be ignored. By maintaining open lines of communication, working together, and implementing effective strategies, we can create a safer and more supportive learning environment for all students. Remember, every child deserves to feel safe and valued at school. Let us continue to advocate for their well-being and work together to make a difference.
