NEW FAIRFIELD HIGH FORUM TARGETS VIOLENCE

(New Fairfield)-In the wake of a bomb threat at the high school last month, a
community coalition was formed to help solve the problem of youth
violence. Last night, it held a forum to address those issues.

Town and school officials pinpointed what they think are key issues,
along with possible solutions. School Superintendent Kathleen Matusiak
said behavior in school can be a reflection of home life.

A small group of parents and residents attended last night's meeting
in the high school library.

"What happens in school is often a carryover of what parents do, or
don't do, in the home," she said. "We have to identify what we do well
and continue it, as well as instituting new programs."

Matusiak said peer mentoring, adult mentoring and a school safety
committee are important in preventing violence. She said the state
legislature last year ordered all schools to develop prevention programs.

Nearly 1,500 students were evacuated from the high school and middle
school June 2 because of a bomb threat by a high school student who
was later arrested for breach of peace and threatening.

First Selectman Patty Gay said the town is progressing well in
promoting safety. "I'm the mother of two children in New Fairfield
schools, and I've seen that we are ahead of many other towns," she
said. She said a decision to have a full-time officer at the school is
an important step. "This is a vital, visible role model for the
students," she said.

Joanne Pierleoni, president of the Meeting House School PTO, said it
tries to focus on the positive actions of students to avoid violence.
"We focus on kindness, and doing good works," she said. "When a child
does an act of kindness, they are rewarded, and their name is
announced on the P.A. (public address) system. "The kids love it."

She said it is important to involve students and parents together. "We
try to improve communications with the children and the parents. It is
important for you (the parents) to let us know what programs you want."

Sharon Shea, substance abuse counselor with the school system, said
drugs can increase student violence. "When people drink, their
personality changes and they get more aggressive," she said. Marijuana
can make people stuff their feelings, because they don't know how to
cope. The feelings can build up, and eventually they go off."

She said an increasing tolerance of violence in society has raised the
level of violence among young people. Matusiak said the school is
looking into different solutions, including a zero-tolerance policy on
violence, aimed at stopping trouble before it starts.