IN McKeesport Spring 2018 | Page 34

Dear MASD Families: McKeesport Area School District’s top priority is the safety, security and well- being of all students and staff. Given the recently intensified concerns about school safety throughout the country, MASD administration, in conjunction with the McKeesport and White Oak Police Departments, community, first responders, teachers and students, has reviewed progressive ways to enhance the existing security of our buildings. Based on this review, we are also implementing measures proven to better protect the safety of our students, staff and visitors. New and future safety measures: • Locking devices for classroom doors • ALERTUS Notification System for all district laptops and desktops • Mobile Emergency Response Plan (MERP) app for mobile devices • New exterior doors where needed • Founders Hall lobby security platform • Elementary building metal detectors as part of new strategic entry plans • Cameras to capture license plate information • ALICE Institute certification and training for staff and students Existing and updated safety measures: • Locked exterior single entry points • Metal detectors and check-in teams • Enhanced HD video surveillance cameras and alarms • Campus security personnel • Raptor Visitor Management System and identification badges • Superintendent-lead Safety Forums for students In addition to these measures, MASD conducted a LOCKDOWN DRILL for all school buildings during the morning of Tuesday, March 27th. We understand your concerns and will continue to take progressive steps to insure the safety of students and staff. Please contact Kristen James if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, Dr. Mark P. Holtzman Superintendent 32 MCKEESPORT AREA McKeesport Area School District is proud of the overwhelming positive response to our updated safety initiatives. The administrative team should be commended for all of their hard work and diligence to meet with our community first responders and leaders to come up with additional layers of safety on our campuses. As you read through these pages, you will see the letter from Dr. Holtzman that was sent home to all of the parents in the district on these initiatives as well as photographs from events that have been taking place in our buildings. We hope that you feel welcome in our schools and that you will take advantage of opportunities to become involved, to learn more about your school district and to be a part of the many things that are taking place. Be sure to visit our website (www.mckasd.net), download our mobile communications app and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on events and happenings in our schools! Members of the school board of directors encourage parents and guardians to be actively involved, in all areas if the district, by attending board and building level meetings. Board Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Sessions begin at 7:30 p.m. in the board room at the district administration building, located at 3590 O’Neil Boulevard in McKeesport. On behalf of the board, have a safe and healthy spring! Sincerely, Joe Lopretto President, McKeesport Area School District Board of Directors