The Dunkirk City School District this week welcomed back a nationally recognized school violence prevention expert who addressed who addressed families and community members after a Board of Education workshop. Don Shomette’s “Safe & Loved” presentation highlighted the benefits of a holistic approach to school safety and was directly aligned with the district’s goal to improve the perception of inclusivity and safety within the school community.
Shomette last visited Dunkirk to address faculty and staff during the district’s opening day activities in September and focused on the importance of sending a strong message of care and concern to students and parents, as well as encouraging greater communication. He reinforced that message on Tuesday.
Shomette said, “If you improve the culture, you improve safety. All of us play a role, and we have to blend violence prevention into everything we do.”
Shomette — a former police officer, school resource officer, therapeutic foster parent and violence prevention expert for the State of Virginia — also discussed the power of engagement, compassion, and love in the effort to improve school safety. The presentation was part of the Dunkirk City School District’s “Whatever It Takes” initiative.
