Safety message from Superintendent Smith

Safety+message+from+Superintendent+Smith

Posted Saturday, May 19, 2018


Dear Parents and Staff,

 

In the wake of yesterday’s tragic events and understandable concerns from our parents, I am writing to remind you of safety measures already in place. Following the high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, I directed our staff to review campus emergency operations plans and ensure each employee understands his or her role in the event of a school emergency. Staff members undergo regular training throughout the school year.

 

In February, we added five additional security monitors to the high schools. These full-time monitors patrol the exterior of the school building to make sure all doors are locked and report any suspicious activity. This extra set of eyes at the high school level has been a welcome addition to our security protocols.

 

In light of the Santa Fe High School shooting, we will be bringing in additional police officers. This heightened police presence will remain through the last day of school, May 31, 2018. We are working with the Galveston County Sheriff School Liaison Division to secure an addiitonal officer at each high school and each intermediate school. These additional officers will also patrol their nearby elementary schools. We have also reached out to our local municipalities to ask for their assistance to provide an extra layer of police presence at our elementary schools until the end of the school year. We are grateful for their willingness to increase patrols and presence at our elementary schools. I am thankful for their partnership and support.

 

Parents, we need your assistance.

 

Bags and Backpacks

If your child does not have to bring a backpack, gym bag, or purse to school, please keep these items at home. If they do need to bring a bag to school, check the bag for prohibited items. Effective Monday, bags may be subject to search under heightened security measures.

Social Media Monitoring

As adults, we know children gravitate to social media as a means of communication and collaboration. We also know this is a place where threats, credible or not, are created and shared quickly. Please monitor your child’s social media account and remind them of the tenets of positive digital citizenship.  In the event they see a post that is suspicious or threatening, tell them not to share it but rather report it immediately to you or a trusted adult.

All threats will be investigated by law enforcement and criminal charges will be pursued when appropriate.  Making a terroristic threat involving a school is a felony offense, as is possessing certain unlawful weapons, including firearms, on school premises.

See Something, Say Something

Whether it is a post on social media or suspicious behavior, please say something. Here are ways to report anonymous tips.

Call: 281-284-TIPS (8477)

Email: [email protected]

Text: Text “CLEARTIPS” plus your message and campus to 274637 (CRIMES)

 

I realize we are living in uncertain times, and children are looking to you and me for solace and assurances. We must remain vigilant in our shared commitment that our schools are the hubs of the community and safe places where children attend to learn and grow. We can do this, together.

Thank you for your continued support of the Clear Creek Independent School District and please keep Santa Fe ISD in your prayers.

 

Greg Smith, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools