Sgt. Tyrone Williams
Nishuane’s School Action Team for Partnership’s first Safetypalooza was a very informative event for the parents who attended on Wednesday night.
Topics presented were:
- Safety 101, led by Montclair Police Dept. Detective Sean DePoe and Sgt. Tyrone Williams.
- Fire Prevention & Safety, led by Montclair Fire Dept. Representatives David Allin
- Internet Safety and Stranger Danger, led by Amillah Williamson, LSW and Nishuane Guidance Counselor and parent of two kindergartners.
- HIB for You and Me, led by Guy Whitlock, Director of Special Projects, Montclair Public Schools
Amillah Williamson, LSW
Parents appreciated the relevant content about young children’s safety, especially after the shocking murder of Autumn Pasquale, the young NJ girl killed by two boys this week. Amillah Williamson advised that parents who allow their older children to have a Facebook account must also have the password and monitor the activity with an eye to appropriate behavior and safety. She also suggested bringing up ‘stranger danger’ for young children in relevant settings, like the park, when families are together and the discussion can be made less scary yet still informative.
Fire Inspector Imelda Muench and Fire Official David Allin
Glenfield Key Club students provided free babysitting on-site as part of their community service project. Some were also able to see some of the presentations and participate in the HIB conversation with Guy Whitlock about their own experiences with bullying. Mr. Whitlock explained how the state mandate impacts how harassment and bodily harm are defined legally but reassured parents that the outcome in cases of violence and aggression will be the same: they will not be tolerated.
The SATP, which is led by co-chairs Jenna Fragale, a teacher, and Wendy Lacey, a parent, plan to conduct another Safetypalooza next year, in addition to the on-going safety programs in place at school.
(Photos: Jill McLoughin)
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