{Originally posted on the Watertown News Facebook page on Feb. 7, 2014}
By Charlie Breitrose
This week Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald told the School Committee that there has been a rise in Watertown students getting risk assessments.
The reason is not clear, Fitzgerald said, but there is one major traumatic incident this year that may be the cause.
“We believe it may be related to post-traumatic stress from the bombing and aftermath in Watertown,” Fitzgerald said.
So what will be done about it? Vice Principal of the Watertown Middle School, Jason DelPorto, said at a recent “ALICE” training that they are trying to secure ONE-HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100K!) to amp up SECURITY at the schools! So where is the money for MENTAL HEALTH, SPECIAL NEEDS, and EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING for our students and community!?? We can’t just put a band-aid over this very real issue. Preventative measures need to be taken to help our students!!