School Committee OKs tougher hazing policy

The School Committee last week approved a new, tougher version of its hazing policy, which now stipulates that any group renting or using a school facility must sign a form acknowledging that they understand the hazing policy and will be held accountable for any violation.

This includes any recreational group using the gym or any group renting classroom, cafeteria or office space.

There is a state law which contains fines and prison terms for anyone who organizes or participates in hazing. The law defines hazing as “any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization … which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.”

School Committee member Liz Salisbury informed the committee that the law also includes provisions for bystanders who observe a hazing incident. Under state law, anyone who knows of or witnesses a hazing incident must report it to authorities or face a fine.

The new addendum to the hazing policy will be immediately added to the CHS student handbook and included in any new rental agreements with in-town and outside groups using school facilities.

The approval came in the same week that news reports surfaced out of Stonehill College of a hazing incident at a summer basketball camp on campus. The incident involved members of the Andover High School basketball team. Some of those members have since been expelled or suspended. “No doubt what we heard is a terrible act,” said School Superintendent Jeff Granatino. “But our community should know that safeguards are in place. This district takes this very seriously. I am proud of our hazing policy.”

Canton was also one of the first communities in Massachusetts to draft and approve a formal bullying policy.

In other news Thursday night, CHS Guidance Director Dan Rubin reported that there are 46 new students at CHS who were not enrolled in the district last year. Each of these students receives support from a peer mentor through the school’s Boomerang Project, which also supports incoming freshmen.

Rubin also discussed the merits of the Guidance Service Program, which offers seminars on time management and study skills for freshmen and on college life for seniors.

According to Rubin, one third of the current senior class submitted early college admission applications. There are also new guidance programs for students interested in two-year postgraduate schools and technical schools, and the guidance department has begun working with students in the school’s computer labs to fill out financial aid applications.

The department is also working with the wellness and school nursing staff to help students deal with stress, depression and other mental health issues.

Rubin also touched on the success of the school’s community service program, in which students participate in both small and large-scale service projects. One such new program involves students helping senior citizens learn how to use iPads.

In other news:

* Granatino reported that members of the Orchard Cove community are helping in the elementary schools in the return of the “Two-Way Street Program.”

* The committee started to review the beginning of the 2012-2013 school budget with an initial review of the school’s capital plan. One proposal up for consideration is to combine forces with the municipal side to replace the middle school gym floor and the high school tennis courts.

School Business Manager Ken Leon is also reviewing whether the state will reimburse the town for a portion of the costs for future window replacements at the Hansen and Galvin schools. The committee is also reviewing future HVAC projects. More decisions are expected at the December 15 meeting.* The Canton Alliance for Public Education announced that the sixth annual spelling bee fundraiser will be held January 20 in the CHS auditorium. Adult and student teams are encouraged to compete. Proceeds from the event will go toward the funding of CAPE grants for teachers.

* School Committee member Cindy Thomas, who has been leading a subcommittee review of athletic programs and extracurricular activities, said the subcommittee may release a preliminary report at the committee’s next meeting on December 15.

* Granatino reported that the Bank of Canton is beginning a donation drive for schools involving change collections from its customers.

* The committee is considering filing a town meeting warrant requesting a special education stabilization fund.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Dec 8 2011. Filed under News, Schools. Both comments and pings are currently closed.