SRO introduces himself to town

To the Editor:

My name is Officer Kevin Ahearn of the Ashburnham Police Department. I would like to share with you some of my responsibilities as the part-time School Resource Officer for John R. Briggs Elementary School. Currently, I coordinate and facilitate several programs including:

• Bus safety • Halloween Safety • Stranger Danger

• Bicycle Safety

• Working with administration/staff on various issues that may arise within the school.

In addition, I work in coordination with the School Adjustment Counselor on programs such as Life Skills at the fifth grade level, and the school-wide Anti-Bullying program. In years past, I have helped out with the CHIPS program, school dances, and most recently, the JRB Health Fair. I am also involved in monitoring school/bus traffic, as well as working with administration and the Ashburnham Police Department on school safety issues.

Where might I see the School Resource Officer?

You will see me around the school of course. I often make myself visible and familiar to students around the building and in their classrooms. If your child comes home reporting that they had someone visit their classroom that day, it may have been me! As mentioned earlier, I visit classrooms throughout the school year to discuss different topics that will help keep children safe. Also, you may find notes from me in the Briggs at Large newsletter.

When might I need to contact the School Resource Officer?

While I am here to help in any way I can, some cases require that you go through the appropriate channels before contacting me. For instance, if there is a bus issue, a complaint should first be made to the principal or the bus company. In addition, issues that occur outside of the school such as incidents which take place at boy/girl scouts, during birthday parties/play dates, or those that are sports related, are not school issues. With that said, if you have any questions, please feel free to approach me at school, and I will be glad to help or direct you to the appropriate source of help.

You might contact me if you have questions regarding any of the programs I am conducting and/or when they will be taking place. I may also be able to refer you to certain programs/resources that you are interested in outside of the school (i.e. RAD for kids, RAD for women).

I very much enjoy being a part of the JRB community and look forward to a fun filled year with the students.

Kevin Ahearn Ashburnham Police Department