BOSTON — Days after Henderson School Principal Patricia Lampron was assaulted by a 16-year-old student during dismissal, the Dorchester-based public school announced updated safety protocols and support systems for the school community. Those new safety protocols are meant to focus on arrival and dismissal times at Henderson.
Henderson staff will be joined by additional safety staff from Boston Public Schools [BPS] outside during arrival and dismissal times each school day. Boston Police will also be present as well.
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Additionally, the school announced further support structures for students.
“We are adding counseling capacity in partnership with the district’s Social Emotional Learning and Wellness teams to provide access to trained staff who will be on-site to support students,” BPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius wrote in a release Friday. “We are actively seeking additional support from our partners at Playworks who focus on bringing fun to learning and structured activities to provide positive opportunities for children to play and interact with one another positively.”
The superintendent said that they are working to put together a plan regarding family engagement strategies to better provide communication to the school community. They are also increasing their Crisis Prevention and Intervention training and CPR training.
Staff members met Thursday to develop the updated safety and support plans. Additionally, Dr. Cassellius met with parents and school officials virtually Thursday night to hear their concerns.
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“I am personally grateful for the entire staff who came to school on Thursday and convened to develop a plan so that we can ensure a sound safety plan, with clear steps so that students and parents can be sure we have taken every step to restore a positive learning environment,” Superintendent Cassellius wrote.
“I received tough feedback regarding the meeting on Thursday night,” the superintendent said. “I understand and acknowledge the frustration that was expressed and I thank you for being honest with us and voicing your disappointment.”
Classes at the Henderson Inclusion School’s Upper Campus were canceled on Thursday and again on Friday. During the virtual meeting with families, school officials said Grades 2-6 would return on Monday and Grades 7-12 would return on Tuesday.
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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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