News Release
March 13, 2007
Bruce Randolph School Leaders Work For Greater School Safety
Parents, students, residents & staff come together to find solutions
The neighborhoods surrounding Bruce Randolph School have been plagued by violence for many years. When the newly constructed Bruce Randolph Middle School was opened in 2002, safety was a primary concern. Over four years later, the school community continues to struggle with how to provide children with a safe learning environment.
With the highest percentage of safety incidents in the district in 05-06, Bruce Randolph School leaders are calling on Denver Public Schools (DPS) administrators, the Denver Police Department (DPD) and parents, residents and students to all play a role in turning around their reality.
A Bruce Randolph student, who has asked to remain anonymous for his own protection, shared his reflections, "This year one of my classmates was shot and shortly after that a drive by shooting happened in our community. When that happened if affected all us kids. Now when I am outside at lunch time I'm always looking around... Sometimes I find it hard to concentrate on my class work."
At their March 15 public meeting, parent leaders will be asking DPD District 2 Commander Rhonda Jones and DPS administrators to increase security personnel at their school. Parents will also be invited to participate in the school's Parent Watch program, coordinating parent volunteers to patrol their school at the beginning and end of the school day. Bruce Randolph has received funding for this project through the Denver Foundation, which will also be represented at the meeting.
The public meeting, with an expected attendance of 200 people, is being organized by the Bruce Randolph Organizing Committee, a member of Metro Organizations for People (MOP). MOP has 37 member churches, schools, youth organizations and neighborhood organizations throughout metro Denver, addressing a variety of social issues, including education and safety, at the local and regional levels, and beyond.
WHAT: Public Meeting on School and Community Safety
WHEN: Thursday, March 15, 2007 at 6:00 pm
WHERE: Bruce Randolph School, 3955 Steele St., Denver