Local intermediate school reports 12 acts of violence
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer

FREEHOLD — According to administrators in the Freehold Borough K-8 School District, the Freehold Intermediate School had a total of 13 incidents that were reported to the state (one act of vandalism; 12 acts of violence) during the 2007-08 school year.N

o incidents of violence or vandalism were reported at the Freehold Learning Center elementary school or at the Park Avenue Elementary School.

Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth O'Connell reviewed the information concerning violence and vandalism in the schools during a recent meeting of the Board of Education.

O'Connell said there was one incident of vandalism — a shattered window in the boys locker room at the Freehold Intermediate School — that cost $135 to replace.

Also reported at the school was one incident classified as a criminal threat; three fights between students; three incidents for possession of a weapon; three simple assaults for pushing, hitting or shoving in the hallways; and two incidents of harassment or bullying.

"In September 2007 we documented four suspensions, compared to six suspensions in September 2008. In October 2007 we documented 16 suspensions, compared to nine in October 2008. It should also be noted that the offenses leading to suspension in 2008 have been less volatile than those in 2007," the superintendent said.

O'Connell thanked Freehold Intermediate School Principal Nelson Ribon for doing his part to help keep the school running smoothly and without much conflict among the teenagers. She said Ribon has put several programs in place that she believes have helped in monitoring students.

O'Connell said Ribon has increased staff member duty assignments in the hallways, outside in the morning when students are arriving, and in the afternoon when the youngsters are leaving school. He also increased staff presence in the hallways to provide more staff visibility as students are passing from class to class.

Ribon has also initiated a transition and mentoring program for sixth-graders at the school called WEB, "Where Everybody Belongs." The program, started last spring, allows eighth-graders to mentor children who are entering the intermediate school.

O'Connell said Ribon has provided assemblies and guest speakers for the students and he has articulated with the Freehold High School administrators and staff. She said the school district has a good relationship with the Freehold Borough Police Department.

In reacting to the annual report which documents the level of violence and vandalism in the schools, board President Jim Keelan said, "In addition to providing a superior education, Freehold Borough schools continue to provide a safe learning environment for all of our children. Our schools are great. The facts and statistics continue to prove it."

Contact Clare Marie Celano

at ccelano@gmnews.com