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Moore joins town officials in juvenile behavior talks
Author: Shaun Moriarty February 17, 2006 - Police, state, court and school officials met yesterday to discuss juvenile problems, both in and out of the local school system. The roundtable discussion was led by Police Chief Daniel Charette and Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, with Mary E. Wells Middle School Principal Steven Bliss, Southbridge High School Assistant Principal John McGuirk, several police officers along with representatives from the District Attorney’s office and Department of Youth Services. Officials said roundtable discussions open the lines of communication and may lead to better prevention of juvenile delinquency and other problems facing local youths. McGuirk credited the work of the unofficial board as well as school resource officers for defusing potential problems and conflicts at the high school. “[Police in the schools] have been a tremendous help. They’re a great resource,” McGuirk said. “We do get good information from these people.” Officials said the roundtable discussions began several years ago as part of a “school safety program.” The meetings, Charette said, “fell by the wayside,” about 18 months ago due to improvements in local juvenile issues. “The situation was beginning to come under control,” added Moore. “People felt the problem was under control and they had other priorities.” The veteran legislator added, “Perhaps there is a need to continue that communication.” Charette stressed the roundtable discussions are important for the community, not only the school district. “This isn’t just a school issue. The school is working so hard to do everything possible on every front,” Charette said. “We try to bring everybody together that has a stake in [the community]. We’re just trying to add whatever support we can.” |