Parents & Schools; Partners in Promoting Safety All Year Long

Ensuring that our students have a safe and secure learning environment so that they can achieve their full potential is the district’s number one priority.  During the 2005-2006 school year, the procedures that have been established to ensure the well being of students and staff were revisited:

• A safety audit of all of our buildings was done with the Township’s Department of Public Safety.

• All emergency management procedures were refined and an efficient and convenient flip chart was created for our Crisis Management Teams to use.

• The district hosted a safety and security summit with three neighboring districts that included members from the Police Departments and the Offices of Emergency Management from each of the associated Townships. Best practices were shared among the participating districts.

• We also went beyond our buildings and grounds to investigate the dangers lurking in cyberspace, calling on FBI Special Supervisory Agent Timothy Nestor to help educate the entire community.

• Strategies to promote wellness, sound judgment and good decision making skills are taught through the district’s health and physical education programs as well as the character education program that is infused throughout the curriculum. The administration and staff continuously look for ways to improve upon these programs.

Whether at home, on vacation, or just out and about in the community, I urge you to continuously review and reinforce the health and safety rules that you have established as a family:

• Get into the routine of doing safety assessments with your children. Do not assume or take anything for granted. Children are vulnerable and need to be constantly reminded about cause/effect relationships. (i.e. If I do this, then this is what could happen.)

• Keep lines of communication open even when it is tough. Encourage your children to let you know where and with whom they will be. Get to know your child’s friends.

• Adult supervision is key. No matter what precautions are taken, children are always safer when a responsible adult is present. Talk with the parents of your children’s friends. Discuss how you can form a team to ensure everyone’s safety.

The district’s resources are available to you and your children throughout the year including the summer. Our Student Services Department is open and the guidance counselors are accessible should you need their support. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer and a healthy and happy start to the new school year.

Yours truly,

Jo Ann Magistro, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools