Tiverton Public Schools Superintendent's School Safety Message
Dear Tiverton Parents and Guardians,
I trust this message finds you and your families in good health and high spirits as we embark on a new school year. As the Superintendent of the Tiverton Public Schools, I wanted to take a moment to address an issue of paramount importance to us all – the safety of our students.
Safety is Our Priority:
First and foremost, please know that the safety of your children is our absolute priority at Tiverton. Every measure we implement and every decision we make is guided by the principle of ensuring a secure and nurturing environment for every student.
Comprehensive Security Measures:
Our schools are equipped with comprehensive security measures, including controlled access points, modern surveillance systems, and a team of dedicated administrators who work tirelessly to keep our campuses safe. In a collaboration with Tiverton Police, we are fortunate to have a full-time SRO housed at Tiverton High School.
Emergency Preparedness:
We maintain a comprehensive emergency response plan that encompasses a wide range of scenarios, including fire drills, lockdown procedures, evacuation plans, and severe weather protocols. Our staff undergoes regular training to handle these situations with precision and care. We have multiple drills scheduled for this fall. In addition, all staff members have completed the online module for ALICE Training. We use ALICE as part of our lockdown drills. You can learn more about ALICE here Alice for Families and Communities.
Effective Communication Channels:
In the event of an emergency or important updates, we use a range of communication channels to ensure that you receive timely and accurate information. We have a text feature, call system and email. We also post to our website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Please make sure your contact information, especially cell phone and email address are current in our records.
Bullying Prevention and a Culture of Respect:
We are committed 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. Our Principals have all received training on bullying prevention and intervention. To help students’ mental health and as a bullying deterrent, we have implemented new cell phone policies at TMS & 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 feel 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 mechanism. Your input is invaluable in maintaining a safe environment. You can access our reporting system at If you see something, say something. This system has proven to be invaluable as it has allowed us to provide help to students who are experiencing trauma, need social emotional support and to alert 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 our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTOs) at the three elementary schools and the middle school: by joining our School Improvement Councils at all schools or joining our newly formed Safety Committee. If you are interested in the PTO or School Improvement Team, please send an email to that school principal. If you are interested in being part of the Safety Committee please send an email to Superintendent, Peter Sanchioni at psanchioni@tivertonschools.org. We also have a Parent Advisory Committee that meets monthly with the Superintendent and other administrators. If you are in interested in joining the Parent Advisory Committee, please email me at psanchioni@tivertonschools.org. We also have an active Special Education Local Advisory Council. The Special Education Local Advisory Committee (SELAC) is a group of parents and professionals working together to provide advice to the Special Education Department with regard to Special Education Services. If you are interested in being part of TPS SELAC, send an email to Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Sarah Kraeger at skraeger@tivertonschools.org.
Online Safety:
To ensure online safety, we employ internet filters and provide guidance on responsible internet use. We also educate our students about digital citizenship.
For more information, please visit our district website at https://www.tivertonschools.org/ for a detailed overview of our safety policies and procedures.
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 the 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,
Peter Sanchioni, Ph.D.
Superintendent