Montville Township Public Schools - Educate.Inspire.Empower

During School Violence Awareness Week, representatives from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office visited Robert R. Lazar Middle School to speak with each grade level about the importance of virtual safety, responsible online behavior, and bias awareness. The presentations were led by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri and Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre. This educational program is part of the Prosecutor’s Office’s ongoing Anti-Bias and Anti-Bullying initiative, which has been presented in schools across northern New Jersey.

DeNegri and LaGuerre spoke with students about bias, respect, and inclusion, helping them understand how words and actions – both in person and online – can affect others. The goal of the presentation was to help students recognize the real-world consequences of their behavior, emphasizing that how they communicate and conduct themselves today can have a lasting impact on their future.

Both speakers brought extensive experience to their work with young audiences. SAP Samantha DeNegri has served in the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for 24 years, specializing in cases involving juvenile justice and community outreach. Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre has over 25 years in law enforcement and previously worked as a high school teacher, giving him a unique perspective on how to best connect with and educate students.

The presenters also reinforced the county’s zero-tolerance policy for threats of school violence, explaining that all such threats are taken seriously – even when comments are claimed to be made “as a joke”.