Mayor, Police Focus on Safe Schools as More Than 23,000 Bridgeport
Students Return to the Classroom
(Bridgeport, CT – Aug. 28, 2014) – The city is using 21st-century technology to help address bullying in schools and keep kids in safe learning environments to prepare for 21st-century jobs.
According to a national study, nearly one in three students say they have been bullied at school.
“As the father of four kids who have attended Bridgeport public schools, I've seen firsthand the negative impact that bullying has on kids and their ability to learn,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “As a community, we need to do everything we can to prevent it and intervene quickly and stop it when it does occur.”
On Thursday, more than 23,000 Bridgeport Public Schools students returned to the classroom. Over the last year, as part of the city’s effort to crack down on bullying and keep kids safe in schools, the city has invested in equipment to do just that. And, through a $1.3 million state grant, Bridgeport has enhanced safety at 19 city schools. The upgrades and new initiatives focus on promoting a safe and healthy environment for students to learn.
Enhanced technology is just one component in the effort.
School Security Officer Bernie Lofton travels between schools providing anti-bullying classes and workshops in character building.
“A lot of our kids have learned to step up (and report bullying) and not fight back,” said Lofton, a fixture in the Bridgeport community through his summer basketball camps and 20-year veteran as a school security officer.
In the week leading up to the first day of school, police have worked on a traffic awareness campaign around schools. Three digital messaging signs were placed at locations near schools reminding motorists that school was about to resume and to drive carefully. Five radar trailers were placed near schools to keep motorists driving the speed limit, and patrol and traffic officers were conducting enforcement near school zones.
“We’re urging drivers to be watchful around schools and bus stops for children running into the street. And, to watch your speed when entering a school zone,” said Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett Jr.
On the technology side, a portion of the grant has been used to upgrade video monitoring systems at six school. A total of 19 schools are receiving upgrades ranging from video monitoring to exterior access systems for doors to ensure the people in the schools belong there.
Across Bridgeport, the use of video has been effective tool for the police department in cracking down on crime and keeping the city safe, said Chief Gaudett.
“That’s the same goal with security cameras in our schools,” he said. “They work as a deterrent and help prevent bullying. And when it does happen, it enables us to respond in real time. We want our kids to feel safe in their schools.”
The city is seeking a second state grant to improve security and safety at 10 additional schools.
“We need to do everything we can to ensure all of our kids have the safe learning environment they deserve, ensuring that they're prepared to one day attend college or compete for 21st century jobs,” said Mayor Finch.
Students Return to the Classroom
(Bridgeport, CT – Aug. 28, 2014) – The city is using 21st-century technology to help address bullying in schools and keep kids in safe learning environments to prepare for 21st-century jobs.
According to a national study, nearly one in three students say they have been bullied at school.
“As the father of four kids who have attended Bridgeport public schools, I've seen firsthand the negative impact that bullying has on kids and their ability to learn,” said Mayor Bill Finch. “As a community, we need to do everything we can to prevent it and intervene quickly and stop it when it does occur.”
On Thursday, more than 23,000 Bridgeport Public Schools students returned to the classroom. Over the last year, as part of the city’s effort to crack down on bullying and keep kids safe in schools, the city has invested in equipment to do just that. And, through a $1.3 million state grant, Bridgeport has enhanced safety at 19 city schools. The upgrades and new initiatives focus on promoting a safe and healthy environment for students to learn.
Enhanced technology is just one component in the effort.
School Security Officer Bernie Lofton travels between schools providing anti-bullying classes and workshops in character building.
“A lot of our kids have learned to step up (and report bullying) and not fight back,” said Lofton, a fixture in the Bridgeport community through his summer basketball camps and 20-year veteran as a school security officer.
In the week leading up to the first day of school, police have worked on a traffic awareness campaign around schools. Three digital messaging signs were placed at locations near schools reminding motorists that school was about to resume and to drive carefully. Five radar trailers were placed near schools to keep motorists driving the speed limit, and patrol and traffic officers were conducting enforcement near school zones.
“We’re urging drivers to be watchful around schools and bus stops for children running into the street. And, to watch your speed when entering a school zone,” said Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett Jr.
On the technology side, a portion of the grant has been used to upgrade video monitoring systems at six school. A total of 19 schools are receiving upgrades ranging from video monitoring to exterior access systems for doors to ensure the people in the schools belong there.
Across Bridgeport, the use of video has been effective tool for the police department in cracking down on crime and keeping the city safe, said Chief Gaudett.
“That’s the same goal with security cameras in our schools,” he said. “They work as a deterrent and help prevent bullying. And when it does happen, it enables us to respond in real time. We want our kids to feel safe in their schools.”
The city is seeking a second state grant to improve security and safety at 10 additional schools.
“We need to do everything we can to ensure all of our kids have the safe learning environment they deserve, ensuring that they're prepared to one day attend college or compete for 21st century jobs,” said Mayor Finch.