Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s),
Our nation suffered one of the worst domestic tragedies in our history last Friday. Prayer for the families and the children impacted by this horrible event will certainly be a part of our response as a Catholic school, but this tragedy will, no doubt, have an impact on some of our students and certainly on all of our parents and staff.
It is important that you know that St. Anthony High School has been, is now and will be a safe place for our students.
· We have regular emergency drills and emergency procedures in place
· Fences and gates surround the school campus and we are a “closed” campus.
· Visitors must sign in at the office and wear a bright colored visitor’s sticker while on campus.
· Teachers and students are asked to report any stranger on campus.
However, in light of the recent tragedy, it is essential that we continue to monitor our existing policies and procedures and make appropriate and necessary adjustments. It is important for you to know that even prior to this tragedy, St. Anthony High School had made certain decisions related to school safety:
- While we have not had cause to issue a school-wide lockdown, beginning this school year, we have revised and created a new lockdown process which will be tested in the first week of school after Christmas break.
- Prior to this event, SAHS was already securing bids to install a camera system with entry for the main doors of the school. We expect this to be completed early in 2013. Following installation of this system, we will begin closing our main doors during school hours.
In addition, we have decided to permanently close the gate on 7th street across the street from the Gym. This will insure only one entrance into the school at all times (6th and Olive entrance). While we are confident in what we have done and what we will do moving forward, we will immediately begin a thorough examination of our safety procedures and determine what additional measures need to be taken to maintain security.
Please join me, as a school community and personally, in prayer for all the families of Newtown and for our families here at home. May God’s healing touch be with all those affected by senseless violence and help each of us to be the embodiment of God’s love each day.
Sincerely,
Mr. Mike Schabert
Principal