The-Leader_2007-05-10

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72nd Year, No. 19 Freeport, N.Y. 11520
The Community Newspaper
Thursday, May 10, 2007
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Baldwin isehools ireigh security issues
by Laraine A. Milazzo
Members of the community met with Baldwin High School Principal Susan Knots to continue a discussion about safe­ty and security at the high school.
Parents met with administrators over a month ago in response to a fighting inci­dent at the school. At the April 30 meeting, Ms. Knors informed parents about some of the security measures that have been put into place since that time and to discuss the creation of subcommittees to continue dialogue and institute new safety meas­ures.
In response to suggestions and e-mails received from many parents, these are some of the matters being concentrated on: a continuation of security patrols; faculty presence and the presence of resource offi­cers in the halls and on school grounds; identity tags are being checked upon entering and leaving the building; only the doors at the main circle and the 600 park­ing lot are being used; all cars entering the school grounds after the beginning of the first period are being checked; passes are being limited and teachers are in the hall­ways to check for student passes; security personnel are wearing uniforms and new uniforms, badges and name tags have been ordered to assist in identifying security
personnel.
The district is making use of an other­wise unused van owned by the district to conduct security patrols throughout the day. Staff members have been issued ID tags for the rearview mirrors to help ease the traffic flow into the parking lot.
There were "an enormous amoimt of meetings" held among department heads, teachers, students, coaches, advisors, maintenance staff and security personnel, said Ms. Knors. In the afternoon, the com­mons area is kept clear and that is "helping a lot," reported the principal. Junior and senior class officers have formed focus groups to continue discussions over issues and to develop a joint fundraiser to further cement the strides being made.
Through the use of the public address system, Ms. Knors said that students are being told that the school code of behavior is being strictly enforced. Students are also aware that any insubordination will not be tolerated and that disruptive behav­ior will be addressed severely. "It has made a great improvement," said the prin­cipal.
Enhancing after-school security is addressed by dispersing groups of students in the commons and working with securi­ty, coaches and advisors to assign meeting places with team members and clubs.
(continued on page 6)
by Laura Schofer
"Unbelievable," Jill Kaplan exclaimed when she learned that she is The Leader's 2007 Mother of the Year. "I'm so thrilled! Touched! Oh, my God," Mrs. Kaplan laughed.
Jill Kaplan lives in Freeport with her husband Paul and their two children, Emily, 21 years old, and Ross, who will be 18 in three weeks.
"Every year we [the children and husband] say we should submit my wife's name [for the Mother of the Year contest] and this time we decided to do it. She deserves it," explained her husband.
Jill is "the most unselfish, com­passionate and giving person we know," reads the letter that was composed by husband Paul and their two children.
"She just so amazing," said Paul, "the way she puts other people first. My wife is a very charitable person."
Jill is a blood platelets donor who "is practically on NY Blood Service's speed dial. She modifies her busy schedule to ensure a two to three hours donation," reads the family's letter.
"Once or twice a month, they call me because I'm a match for someone who has leukemia," Jill explained. "My husband and son are whole blood donors. Last year
for my birthday my son Ross became a blood donor. This was my gift instead of a box of choco­lates or flowers. It made me so proud."
Jill is also devoted to her faith. She is the president of the Baldwin Daliya chapter of Hadassah. She began her career in Jewish educa­tion 18 years ago, first at Union Reform Temple in Freeport and then became religious school prin­cipal at Temple Isaiah in Great Neck. She will soon be taking on the position of religious education director of Temple Or Elohim in Jericho.
Jill is also eager to learn more about her faith and takes many classes. "I have a hunger that can't be satisfied, I'm always interested in learning more. Presently I'm taking a weekly Talmud class as well as a weekly Torah class. I love discussing these things with peo­ple. The discovery is so exciting," said Jill, "and I love to pass this discovery on to others, especially j to children." I
Her own children "are wonder-1 ful. Emily is a senior at| Muhlenberg College in |
Pennsylvania and is also a very | compassionate, caring person who I loves life," said Jill. "My son Ross | will be attending Westfield State | College in Massachusetts this fall | and is also kind and funny and |
(continued on page 17)1