Dear Parents and Guardians,
Our schools are vibrant centers for learning and community, often extending their reach well into afterschool hours through athletic events, concerts, theatre, and other extracurricular activities. As we embark on a new school year, it is crucial to review our safety plans to ensure the well-being of our students, staff, and visitors.
At the high school, we are pleased to introduce a new evening supervisor who will help control access to the building. All of our schools and facilities now feature badge-controlled access points and main door vestibules to screen visitors. For events at the high school, we ask that all attendees enter through the main entry and check in before accessing areas beyond the wellness center, pool, and A gymnasium.
To further enhance security, each building will have either a student support partner or a school resource deputy present throughout the school day. These individuals will assist the school administration in maintaining secure entryways, supporting students or persons in crisis, and providing valuable support to our health and safety priorities.
At evening events outside on our sports fields and specifically in our stadium, we ask that all students in 8th grade and younger be accompanied by an adult to enter any of our stadiums or to remain on campus. Backpacks, mugs, and sports equipment other than those used for the event are prohibited. We ask you to be loud, proud, and use positive cheering aligned to the rules of Section V and NYS.
We greatly appreciate the community’s help and support in these efforts. The school district communicates during emergencies via Parent Square, and parents and guardians will be notified as soon as practicable during an emergency. In accordance with the New York State Education Department, the District’s safety plans have been formally submitted and we continue to collaborate closely with all law enforcement agencies within the school district to review and coordinate our emergency procedures.
We are aware of the national context around school safety and acknowledge the stress and pressure on school communities. However, we want to reassure you that our schools are, and will continue to be, safe spaces for students to learn and grow. It is imperative that we all do our part to maintain these environments.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring safe, supportive, and engaging environments for our students, families, staff, and the community.
Sincerely,
Gene Mancuso
Superintendent of Schools