Program Receives $2,500 Donation From Office of Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell
Bristol-Plymouth students, as well as Superintendent Alexandre Magalhaes, accept a check for $2,500 from Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell. (Photo Courtesy Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School) 
Bristol-Plymouth School Resource Officer Jayson LaPlante (center) accepts a check for $2,500 from Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell. (Photo Courtesy Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School)
TAUNTON — Superintendent Alexandre Magalhaes is pleased to announce the success of School Resource Officer Jayson LaPlante’s HERO (Helping Students, Education, Respect-Building, Outreach) program.
Through the HERO program, LaPlante organizes and solicits donations to take Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School students on memorable and engaging field trips. This includes taking more than 100 students to Red Sox games and more than 120 students to Celtics or Bruins games over the past six years.
Recently, the HERO program received a generous donation from the City of Taunton for $2,500. These funds will go towards bringing even more exciting trips for students.
Students complete essays prior to attending the trips, which serve as a tool for LaPlante to get to know his students better and get students who otherwise would not be comfortable sharing to open up to him. As SRO, he tries to identify students he feels would benefit most from the program and see if they want to write an essay to form a connection.
“The program allows students to make a positive difference in their school,” LaPlante said. “I get great kids with great hearts to help people, and it means a lot to be able to bring kids together from different social circles to form new partnerships and friendships that lead to making a positive difference in our school community.”
Through the relationships LaPlante has made with students, he has emphasized the importance of giving back and getting involved with the community. He partners with local agencies to organize food drives and holiday gift donations.
“SRO LaPlante is a great asset to Bristol-Plymouth and this program is just one example of that,” said Assistant Director/Principal Karen Guenette. “He is incredibly welcoming to students, and the HERO program is an amazing way for students to get involved with their school and their community.”
LaPlante also works with students through programs like powder puff football, the school dodgeball tournament and the school basketball tournament (“Shop Madness”). These events get the kids involved in school spirit and instill a sense of school pride.
“It is so important to support programs that provide opportunities for our youth, and I’m thrilled to help the HERO Program,” Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell said. “Jayson LaPlante has a special ability to connect with students and I applaud his commitment to providing special experiences for our kids to enjoy.”
###