As incidents of violence continue to escalate in our schools nationally, the public increasingly seeks answers to questions such as, “Why is this happening?” and “What can be done to stop it?”
Weapons brought to school, bomb threats, assaults on other students and teachers, along with increased vandalism are problems that continue to occur in our schools today.
The Otterbein College National Alumni Association will be hosting a public discussion titled “School Violence: Are Your Local Schools Ready?”
The discussion will be part of the Otterbein Lifelong Learning Program. The presentation will be held from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23 in the Riley Auditorium of the Battle Fine Arts Center, 170 W. Park St., Westerville.
This event is free and open to the public, although space is limited to 250 people.
The program is designed for parents, educators and other people interested in this topic.
According to the Otterbein College National Alumni Association, the Lifelong Learning Program is intended to help communities understand what is taking place in schools. Also, how schools are working with parents and law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond to growing incidents of classroom violence.
Participants involved will learn what factors contribute to increasing violence in schools and specific steps that can be taken to promote a safer learning environment.
There will be many speakers involved with the discussion which will include: Jeanne A. Miller, Reynoldsburg chief of police; Keith Coy, special agent for the FBI; David Heimpold, Spring Township chief of police; James McCann, Westerville North High School principal; Daniel E. Montgomery, Johnstown-Monroe Local Schools superintendent and Michael Webb, Springfied Township resource officer.
For more information or to reserve seats, contact the Otterbein Alumni Office at (614) 823-1650.
