Tiverton School District

Tiverton Public Schools Superintendent’s School Safety Message

Dear Tiverton Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you and your families in good health and high spirits as we begin a new school year. As the Superintendent of Tiverton Public Schools, I want to take a moment to address a matter of utmost importance to all of us—ensuring the safety of our students and staff.

Safety is Our Priority

At Tiverton, the safety of your children is our highest priority. Every measure we implement and every decision we make is guided by our commitment to providing a secure and nurturing environment for every student.

Comprehensive Security Measures

Our schools are equipped with comprehensive security systems, including controlled access points, modern surveillance technology, and a dedicated team of administrators who work tirelessly to maintain a safe environment. We are fortunate to have a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) at Tiverton High School, in collaboration with the Tiverton Police Department.

Emergency Preparedness

We have a comprehensive emergency response plan that covers a wide range of scenarios, including fire drills, lockdown procedures, evacuation plans, and severe weather protocols. Our staff undergo regular training to ensure they can handle these situations with precision and care. Multiple drills are scheduled for this fall, and all staff members have completed the ALICE Training online module. ALICE protocols are integral to our lockdown drills. You can learn more about ALICE here.

Effective Communication Channels

In the event of an emergency or important updates, we will use multiple communication channels to keep you informed, including text messages, phone calls, and emails. We also post updates on our website, Facebook, and Twitter. Please ensure that your contact information, especially your cell phone number and email address, is up to date in our records.

Bullying Prevention and a Culture of Respect

We are dedicated to preventing bullying and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity. Our policies are clear, and our support systems are in place to address any concerns promptly. All our principals have received training in bullying prevention and intervention. As part of our efforts to support students' mental health and deter bullying, we have implemented cell phone restriction policies at Tiverton Middle School (TMS) and Tiverton High School (THS).

Mental Health Support

Tiverton offers a range of mental health support services, including school counselors, social workers, and programs designed to raise awareness and promote emotional well-being. If you believe your child would benefit from these services, please contact your building principal.

Reporting Mechanisms

We encourage parents and students to report safety concerns or incidents promptly through our confidential reporting system called If You See Something -Say Something Your input is invaluable in maintaining a safe environment. See something, Say Something. This system has proven invaluable in helping us support students experiencing trauma and alerting us to potential threats.

Community Involvement

Parents play a vital role in our school safety initiatives. We invite you to join our efforts by participating in the Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) at our three elementary schools and the middle school, or by joining our School Improvement Teams at all five schools. If you are interested in the PTO or School Improvement Team, please email the respective school principal.

We also have a Parent Advisory Committee that meets monthly with the Superintendent and other administrators. If you are interested in joining, please email me at psanchioni@tivertonschools.org. 

Additionally, our active Special Education Local Advisory Council (SELAC) offers a platform for parents and professionals to collaborate on enhancing Special Education Services. If you wish to be part of TPS SELAC, please contact our Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Sarah Kraeger, at skraeger@tivertonschools.org.

Online Safety

To ensure online safety, we employ internet filters and educate our students on responsible internet use and digital citizenship. For more information, please visit our district website for a detailed overview of our safety policies and procedures. Website

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns related to school safety, please feel free to reach out to me directly at psanchioni@tivertonschools.org.

Conclusion and Reassurance

Please rest assured that our unwavering commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment remains steadfast. Your trust in Tiverton Public Schools is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. Together, we will navigate this school year with safety and success as our guiding principles.

With our students in mind,