Marcellus receives school safety award

For the fifth consecutive year, the Utica National Insurance Group has awarded top honors to Marcellus Central School District for its efforts to keep students, staff and visitors safe.

Marcellus was one of 133 school districts and a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) statewide to receive a 2014 “School Safety Excellence Award.” The district earned “titanium with honors,” the highest of the award’s three levels, by meeting specific criteria to enhance its overall safety in such areas as bullying prevention programs and playground safety.

“The safety and well-being of our students is our No. 1 priority,” said Dr. Craig J. Tice, superintendent of schools. “We continue to take all necessary security measures to provide a safe and nurturing environment for students to learn at Marcellus."

Through measurable assessments, Utica National's school safety awards program helps participating schools and BOCES enhance overall safety. As part of the award, the district received a commemorative certificate and $500 for future safety enhancements.

"Districts that go 'above and beyond' to provide a safe, healthy and focused culture for learning are to be applauded," said Mark Aquino, regional manager in Utica National's risk management department. "We're pleased to count Marcellus Central School District among them."