WESTMINSTER, MA. (March 2, 2006) - Furthering a company commitment to help build healthy, vital communities, SimplexGrinnell is once again collaborating with the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District on a number of important initiatives, including a teen dating violence awareness program that helps students make the right choices regarding dating and peer relationships.

Another cornerstone of this year’s program is a communications initiative intended to provide the community at large with crucial information about the Ashburnham-Westminster district and underscore the programs, accomplishments and capabilities of its five schools.

This marks the second consecutive year that SimplexGrinnell, a leader in the fire and life-safety industry with over 500 employees working in Westminster, has collaborated with the local school district. The program encompasses both in-kind support and financial contributions to help the district better serve its 2,400 K-12 students.

Michael Zapantis, Ed. D., Ashburnham-Westminster superintendent of schools, is impressed with the way SimplexGrinnell has stepped forward to support the district. "This relationship is a sterling example of how business and public education can work together toward the common goal of strengthening education for the young people we’re chartered to serve," Dr. Zapantis says. "The Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District is extremely grateful to SimplexGrinnell. Their invaluable support is helping us achieve the district’s educational mission."

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Project

As was the case last year, SimplexGrinnell is again sponsoring Overlook Middle School’s upcoming Teen Dating Violence Awareness Project. SimplexGrinnell is involved in promoting the teen dating awareness project and in supporting presentations from Deana’s Fund, an arts-based, non-profit organization that plays a key role in the teen awareness program.

Deana’s Fund is recognized as an innovative leader in developing and producing comprehensive educational theater programs to educate teens about dating violence prevention and bullying.

This year’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week at Overlook Middle School is scheduled to take place April 10-14. The series of events includes a Community Night on Thurs., April 13 and Deana’s Fund performances for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students on April 12 and 14.

Communications Initiative

Already in this school year, SimplexGrinnell has helped with the development, printing and distribution of a district newsletter, Education News, sent to all households in Ashburnham and Westminster. A second newsletter will be distributed later in the school year, and the communications component of the SimplexGrinnell program will also include the development of brochures highlighting the individual schools.

Other elements of the SimplexGrinnell program include scholarships for graduating Oakmont Regional High School seniors, support for end-of-year ceremonies in the elementary schools, and volunteer activities in the schools.

"SimplexGrinnell is proud of the strong relationship we’ve developed with the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District," says Dave Baer, vice president of marketing at SimplexGrinnell. "As a company with longtime roots in North Central Massachusetts, we believe in supporting our communities and in particular the students educated in the local schools. This program is having a positive community impact, and we look forward to a lasting and productive association."

About SimplexGrinnell
SimplexGrinnell, a business unit of Tyco Fire & Security, provides a comprehensive array of fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire suppression, integrated security and healthcare communications systems and services. With half a million customers, 11,500 employees, 150 local offices, and over 200 years of history in the fire business, SimplexGrinnell is the leader in the fire and life-safety industry. For additional information, visit www.simplexgrinnell.com.