ASPIRA of PA Security Team Members Receive Expert Training

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, August 22, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Something that has always separated ASPIRA of PA charter schools from most traditional public schools is ASPIRA of PA's commitment to providing students and staff with a safe and secure learning environment. Beyond providing several safety team members at all ASPIRA of PA schools, ASPIRA of PA has made special efforts to increase security at its two turnaround schools (John B. Stetson Charter School and Olney Charter High School), which were both included on Pennsylvania's "Persistently Dangerous Schools" list before ASPIRA of PA took over management. In order to improve school safety, ASPIRA of PA invested in high-tech surveillance systems at both schools, while also enhancing their partnerships with local police precincts. Just one year after ASPIRA of PA took over management of each turnaround school, the number of serious incidents dramatically decreased, from 90 to 10 at Stetson and by over 80% at Olney - a true testament to ASPIRA of PA's dedication to fostering a school culture where students and staff feel protected and safe.

ASPIRA of PA recently continued its investment in the safety of its schools by contracting Law Enforcement and Security Officers Training Academy (LEASOT) to lead a comprehensive three-day training for all 54 of its safety team members. LEASOT, a PA state certified school, provided ASPIRA of PA safety team members with a rigorous training led by expert instructors with many years of experience in Law Enforcement and Security. The training focused on a number of important safety areas, such as CPR, First Aid, and techniques for restraining dangerous individuals. Safety Team Leaders were provided an additional training specifically on effective leadership in school safety.

On Friday, August 16, ASPIRA of PA hosted a graduation ceremony for the 54 safety team members who completed the training. The graduation was held at Antonia Pantoja Charter School, with many ASPIRA of PA employees in attendance, including CEO Alfredo Calderon and School Board Chair Fred Ramirez. Three LEASOT representatives attended the graduation to present safety team members with certificates for successfully completing the training. As ASPIRA of PA prepares to embark upon another exciting school year, it is reassuring to know that staff and students are in good hands.

ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit that seeks to empower the North Philadelphia community through advocacy, and the education and leadership development of its youth. In addition to its vast array of extended learning programs, ASPIRA of PA also operates five charter schools and one preschool. For more information, please contact our Development Director at 215-455-1300 x 117.

LEASOT is focused on providing high-quality training to law enforcement, security officers, and private agencies. LEASOT is a PA state certified academy, which offers a variety of courses to choose from, all taught by expert instructors with many years of experience in Law Enforcement and Security. To learn more about LEASOT and their extensive course offerings, send them an email at [email protected].

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