Questar III’s Assistant Director of Health and Safety, Tracey Catalfamo, poses with our 16th consecutive Utica National School Safety Excellence Award.
Questar III BOCES has been awarded Utica National Insurance Group’s “School Safety Excellence Award” at the Titanium with Honors level for the 16th consecutive year.
The honor is presented annually and recognizes school districts’ safety efforts as they work to help keep students, staff, and visitors safe. Questar III BOCES submitted documentation on certain safety items and received a $500 award. Questar III BOCES plans to use the $500 to help update its emergency protocol information in its classrooms, including flipcharts, posters, and more. The award was presented to Questar III BOCES’ Assistant Director of Health and Safety Tracey Catalfamo at Utica National’s 42nd school safety seminar.
“Receiving this award for the 16th consecutive year showcases the dedication and commitment of our Health and Safety department,” said Questar III BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Gladys I. Cruz. “We are immensely proud of their efforts in prioritizing the health, safety, and security of our entire school community.”
Utica National’s School Safety Excellence Award Program has three levels – titanium, platinum, and gold – through which schools can earn a meritorious distinction by meeting specific criteria to enhance overall safety. Through the program schools with their own transportation, schools with contract transportation, and BOCES are evaluated. Categories covered include bullying prevention programs, playground safety, and other areas, and are measured using specific, quantifiable surveys.
“Safety and health concerns continue to be a priority in our school districts,” explained Brian Saville, senior vice president in Utica National’s Educational Institutions Unit. “Districts that go ‘above and beyond’ to provide a safe, healthy, and focused culture for learning are to be applauded, and we’re pleased to count Questar III BOCES among them.”
Questar III BOCES’ Health and Safety Service continues to provide a comprehensive selection of cost-effective services to support school safety, facility management, and safety compliance needs for the BOCES and school districts across New York State. The service provides school safety initiatives and security audits, compliance program development, training, and consultation to assist districts in compliance with state and federal mandates. In addition, the Health and Safety Service provides fire extinguisher and fire system maintenance services for school districts within and outside its BOCES region.
