Middlesex DA Launches School Diversity Initiative

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Middlesex Partnerships for Youth, Inc., launched a new year of programming, training and collaboration between the county’s schools and law enforcement agencies. The 2014-15 program is titled “I’m Worth More.”

School superintendents, police chiefs and fire chiefs from the 54 communities in Middlesex County met earlier this month to unveil the school-based initiative that engages students with themed poster contests, public service announcements and event programming.

The “I’m Worth More” theme focuses on the importance of recognizing how self-esteem, acceptance and understanding all contribute to successful relationships outside the classroom. Key messages include:

– Respecting other people and their opinions and cultures.
– Being self-confident while remaining open to different points of view.
– The importance of treating people fairly to build healthy long-term relationships.

The annual Superintendents and Chiefs Breakfast, hosted by District Attorney Ryan, serves as a kick-off for the school year, bringing together Middlesex County leaders for conversations on issues affecting youth health and safety. This year’s event also included presentations on the state’s new gun legislation and cyber safety.

More than 150 people attended the breakfast in Waltham on October 9, including Sen. Michael Barrett, Sen. Jamie Eldridge, Sen. Kate Hogan, Sen. William Brownsberger, Rep. Jay Kaufman, and Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian along with District Attorney’s Office staff.

District Attorney Ryan also presented Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix with the fifth annual Dr. Patrick A. Schettini, Jr. Award. The award honors Dr. Schettini’s legacy as an outstanding leader and is presented to an active superintendent, police chief or fire chief.

“Chief Nix understands the vital collaboration between schools, city officials and public safety,” District Attorney Ryan said. “He thinks creatively about problem-solving, with care and concern for everyone involved and how safety affects them.”

Sudbury Superintendent Anne Wilson nominated Chief Nix for the award. She said Chief Nix has helped make school buildings and parking lots safer for staff, students and families – dealing with issues ranging from traffic to construction. The town’s ALICE training – the Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate program — extended beyond schools to town workers with Sudbury Police. He also secured a grant for an updated electronic mapping system for school facilities.

Other initiatives included a Community Based Justice program and a dedicated police officer as a school district liaison, she said.

The award honors a professional who keeps student health and safety as a top priority, while dealing with the complexities of administering their agencies. Dr. Schettini was Reading Public Schools superintendent who died in 2009 after battling cancer. He was actively involved in the work of the Middlesex Partnerships for Youth and served as a board member. The award was created in 2010 to recognize Dr. Schettini’s leadership and compassion.

Middlesex Partnerships for Youth, Inc. is a non-profit organization which provides prevention and intervention resources and training to school districts and communities. District Attorney Ryan chairs the MPY Board of Directors.

Through MPY’s efforts, educators, parents, and students engage in collaborative trainings with law enforcement, social services, and community-based organizations as well as share the latest information and resources. Such interactions provide the foundation for creating solution-oriented, community-based, multi-disciplinary approaches to addressing issues including youth violence, substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, hate crimes, and harassment across Middlesex County.

– Submitted by Middlesex DA Marion Ryan’s office