By Mary-Justine Lanyon
An emotional Kimberlee Shefts – the parent of three children at Valley of Enchantment Elementary School – told the trustees at their May 18 meeting that “incredible professionalism was shown by the school staff” during an incident that afternoon at the school at pickup time.
“The teachers did an outstanding job protecting our students,” Shefts said. “Mrs. Negersmith (the principal) and the staff deserve praise.”
However, Shefts said, “the response outside school deserves attention.” She reported that, after a call was placed to 911, “we waited 20 minutes for law enforcement to show up while the children were on lockdown. I understand the district is not responsible for law enforcement’s response but this calls for a stronger relationship. The parents were frightened. What was the cause of the delay? What changes can be made?”
As she concluded, Shefts again thanked the principal, the teachers and the staff. “They stepped up and did exactly what they should have.”
Dr. Paul Sevillano, the school superintendent, said the district will follow up with law enforcement.
Bethany Negersmith shared the message she had sent out to parents on ParentSquare:
I want to inform you of an incident that occurred on campus today at approximately 12:10 p.m. Due to an agitated adult on school grounds, our school immediately implemented lockdown procedures out of an abundance of caution.
I want to reassure all families that students and staff remained safe throughout the incident. Our staff responded quickly to ensure all students were secure. Law enforcement assistance was requested and the situation was resolved safely.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff will always remain our highest priority. We appreciate the cooperation of our students and staff during the lockdown and thank our families for their continued trust and support.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.
Molly Galbreath, who has served as the student representative the board this year, gave her final report. She was recognized by the trustees with a plaque and a thanks for her comprehensive reports and the running commentary she added each month.
In his report, Dr. Sevillano noted he had had the opportunity to listen to students from Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School and Rim of the World High School and hear their needs. “They are the voice we need to listen to,” he said.
Cindy Gardner, president of the board of trustees, said that “one thing that came out of the Equity and Social Justice Committee was the importance of the student voice. We want to continue giving them completely unfiltered space to say what’s on their minds.”
Terry Gomes, the MPH principal, gave his annual report on the school as well as a report on their AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which he said is going very well. Students are meeting in small groups to discuss topics of their choice.
“This peer support,” Gardner said, “is huge. They lift each other up. AVID helps break down barriers.”
Rim High Principal Brian Keaney reported there are 114 students in four sections of AVID at the high school. “Students learn how to learn better in AVID,” he said. “We help students to dream bigger.”
And Jennifer Whiteside, the director of Educational Services, reported there were 221 English language learners in the district. Of those, 27 or 12.9 percent has been reclassified. “I asked the parents what more we could do,” Whiteside said. “One said, ‘You’re doing everything right. It’s clear you care about my son.’”
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