Have you seen this story?

Here’s the letter sent out this afternoon by the school district….

29 February 2008

Dear Ossining School District Community:

Please let this letter confirm the Ossining School District’s commitment to the safety, security, and the well-being of all of our students, staff, and others connected to our schools.  On behalf of the Board of Education, Ossining High School, and the entire Ossining School District, we assure you that safety and security are primary goals for us.

As you may be aware, a disturbing altercation occurred in the neighborhood off school grounds and after school hours earlier this week.  As soon as school officials learned of the incident, we worked closely with the Ossining Police Department and the students involved in order to bring swift resolution to this matter and ensure the safety of our students.

With a new Director of Security just recently appointed, the continued cooperation of the Police Department, and all related safety and security measures within our schools and the community, we will continue to place the well-being of our students and staff as an essential priority.

We recognize that it truly does “take the whole village to raise a child.� With that in mind, the Ossining School District has played a major leadership role with other leaders in the community in our collaboration with the Intermunicipal Leadership Team.  At the High School in particular, an initiative known as the Power of Peace contributes to our overall efforts to support students and encourage positive relationships, in addition to other factors.  Given the efforts of the District, the commitment of the Intermunicipal Leadership Team, the work of Communities That Care, and the concern for safety and security, we are committed to combat the kind of incident that occurred in our community earlier this week and encourage positive relationships.

As a school district community, please be assured that we place each and every student at the heart and center of all of our decisions and all of our efforts.

Sincerely yours,

Mr. Joshua Mandel                Dr. Phyllis Glassman
Principal, Ossining High School        Superintendent of Schools