UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT of EDUCATION BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS of EXCELLENCE
Letter to Parents from Superintendent Roger Thornton
Parents of District 211 Students:
The circumstances of the past several weeks have prompted questions and concerns from parents that merit an answer. Before responding, in general to those questions, I wish to thank all parents for their patience and understanding when we are in the midst of a school threat. Unfortunately, we are unable to prevent the threats. They seem to have become a part of our lives in society today.
What we can control is how we respond to threats when they occur. In general, we will deal with threats to student and staff safety in the following manner:
We will work and act rapidly to determine the viability of the threat.
We will immediately involve the appropriate police agency and work with them to ascertain the viability of the threat and the best means of response.
Student and staff safety will be paramount in all considerations.
Usually, the school will be placed in lockdown. Lockdown means that students and staff are in classrooms or other secure places with doors locked and no individuals in the hallways. Most staff will be involved with supervision of students or the resolution of the incident. Seldom will staff be available to talk with callers.
Generally, no students or adults will enter or leave the school during the lockdown unless specifically authorized by the police and/or administration. Students will not be released to parents until the lockdown is over.
Usually, students will remain in the school rather than being moved to an outside or other location. If a person has planned harm to students and/or staff, exiting the school into an open area exposes them to even greater danger. If it is determined that the threat is viable, a determination will be made as to the place of greatest safety and students will be moved to or retained there until the incident is over.
Notices will be posted to the individual school web site and to the District web site with regular updates during the incident.
Again, thanks to all of our students, staff, and parents for your support and cooperation in difficult circumstances. Student and staff safety are our highest priority.
