Danvers HRIC highlights school protections, after-school supports and NextGen youth projects
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Summary
Committee members reported a recent meeting with Superintendent Dan Bauer on student protections and district priorities and heard an update from NextGen students about games they'll showcase at regional conferences; members discussed after-school access, special education and how the HRIC can support schools.
Dr. Charles Desmond, a member of the Town of Danvers Human Rights and Inclusion Committee, told the committee that he and the committee chair recently met with Superintendent Dan Bauer to discuss school responses to current community concerns and the district's priorities for student support.
"We are concerned that in Danvers, we have high quality education for all students," Dr. Desmond said, adding the district is focusing on learning recovery, equity, early intervention, literacy and special-education leadership. He urged community volunteers to bring arts, sports, mentoring and career skills into school programs to expand options for students.
The committee also received a report from NextGen, a youth subcommittee. Isaiah (last name not specified), speaking for NextGen, said members recently attended a conference at Clark University where they presented two games and received positive feedback. He said NextGen is developing a new game called "Situation Surgery" and will demonstrate work in May at a juvenile-justice resource conference in Washington, D.C.
Committee members described follow-up actions with schools. Dr. Desmond and others said they will meet with the middle-school principal to identify after-school needs and possible volunteer-driven programming. Committee members raised cost barriers as a concern: one participant noted a local nonpublic school integrates after-school programming at no additional charge, and urged the committee to consider cost-free options or scholarship funding for Danvers programs.
Paul Graham (committee member) reported that the superintendent outlined district protocols intended to protect students and staff and that the district has consulted legal counsel and county authorities. Committee members encouraged residents to attend district public meetings; Dr. Desmond and the chair encouraged participation in the superintendent's advisory council and school-council sessions.
The committee noted several upcoming school-related events: a Falcon Showcase at Danvers High School on April 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (teacher presentations, student performances and club displays) and NextGen’s planned presentation at a juvenile-justice conference. The committee said it would meet with school administrators to refine supports and explore volunteer and funding options; no formal budget or binding commitments were made at the meeting.
Next steps include a targeted meeting with the middle school principal, continuing NextGen support and exploring after-school models that reduce cost barriers for families.