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