Superintendent's message: Staff and student safety

Dear Goshen Local Schools Community,

We know each of you have heard about the tragic events that occurred in a Connecticut school on Friday. Our school community is deeply saddened and there are no words to describe how each of us feels at such an act of senseless violence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their community and families.

These events are a reminder that life is precious and that we all must be vigilant in keeping our schools safe. At Goshen Local Schools, safety is our number one priority and every day our students attend school safely. The staff in our schools take many measures to maintain a safe school. Among these are:

• Each building has an Emergency Procedures Plan that is reviewed several times annually. This manual contains procedures for many types of emergencies such as a fire, tornado, earthquake, intruders, etc. For each emergency there are safety drills. Included in these drills are measures taken to protect student safety. The buildings practice these procedures with students and staff members.
• There is one secure entrance in each building that visitors must arrive through. Visitor procedures are followed tightly and although they may be inconvenient at times, they insure that visitors in our schools have appropriate business.
• Our district is fortunate to have a School Resource Officer and works closely with local law enforcement officials to insure student safety.
• We have strict policies in the student code of conduct that deal with students making threats in our schools.
• Students and parents are encouraged to report any safety concerns that they may have.
• We have counselors and staff that are trained in how to deal with students that are in need of emotional support.

Certainly as parents, you play an important role. You are your child’s most important teacher and you may have questions at home. Here is a resource to help you in answering your child’s questions:http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx .

Be assured that the safety of our schools is our number one priority. If you have questions, please feel free to contact your child’s building principal. Keep the members of the Newtown community in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Darrell Edwards

Superintendent