MEET THE BAUMANN SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
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| 051101 Peace summit sparks the launch of COPA |
"They cry peace, peace when there is no peace, for there is no peace for the wicked" (Isaiah 57:21; Jeremiah 6:14).
A- Nancy Stein Ex-Board Member, Founder of P.A.C.E.
B- "Ropes" Siebert- retired French Teacher-recently sold house and moved down South with his pension
C- Roberta Markowitz- School Booster- put child into PRIVATE SCHOOL
D- Richard Kraemer- retired to Stowe Vermont with his pension- famous for his "Prank Nights"
Nearly 100 community members united April 26 at Manhattanville College in Purchase for a "Community of Peace" summit - a day of brainstorming, networking and peace strategy forums. The event marked the launch of the Community of Peace Association (COPA), a coalition of public/private schools within the Bedford Central School District and youth service providers from the towns of Bedford, Bedford Hills, Mount Kisco and Pound Ridge that make up the Bedford Central School District. The new association will meet regularly and work toward achieving a Community of Peace.
The summit kicked off with opening remarks by Assemblywoman Naomi Matusow; Dr. Bruce Dennis, superintendent of the Bedford Central School District; Safety Committee Chair Kelli Cummings; and Dr. Mel Comberiati, Manhattanville professor and Bedford Central School Board member.
Robert Barrette, the keynote speaker and facilitator, provided his expertise in school safety as he explored issues of violence, school security and communication.
"We want to express our gratitude to the community organizations and attendees that participated in the summit. Their energy, talent, resources and expertise will enable the establishment of a Community of Peace," said Ms. Cummings.
One of the highlights of the summit was the break-out sessions, which allowed participants to identify needs and develop strategies for achieving a Community of Peace. Through concentrated planning, the participants worked together to develop uniform strategies to maintain peace within the community. The process required to build a Community of Peace was outlined during the summit's culmination and included enhancing communication among community agencies; establishment of a common language and approach; analysis of existing programs and identification of needs;and improvement of peacemaking and problem solving efforts.
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"We are deeply committed to the safety and welfare of our schools and there is truly no greater matter to bring us together than the safety of our children," said Dr. Dennis. "I want to commend Kelli Cummings, Nancy Stein and the safety committee for their energy and vision that made this day possible."
Bedford Central's safety committee, a board of education initiative formed about two years ago, was the driving force behind the summit. The committee prides itself on its proactive approach to school violence issues and views safety as a community-wide effort. "The launch of COPA as an ongoing community based planning initiative dedicated to creating a safe interpersonal and enriching environment is very promising," said Ms. Stein, chairperson of COPA and a Bedford school board member. The summit was sponsored by Bedford Central School District and Manhattanville College.
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