N
orwin School District’s Superintendent of
Schools met with nine Norwin High School
students to discuss school safety measures
that resulted in several recommendations for future
improvements.
Already, the student input has resulted in change.
Students were more involved in three emergency
drills held at Norwin High School in April. Posters
explaining safe schools procedures will be displayed in
classrooms, and practice drills for all students and staff
will be scheduled early in the school year.
In addition, the meetings resulted in consideration
for hiring a school police officer based on cost-
effectiveness and specific job responsibilities for safety, education,
and training.
The Norwin High School students who participated included
Jordyn Dean, Emily Dodaro, Emily Sheffler, Lydia Berger, Talia
Lochner, Meghan Williamson, Katy Zapanta, Anthony Orsino, and
Maya Patterson.
Several of the students had attended the April 9, 2018, Board
of Education Workshop to voice concerns about school safety.
Two of the students – Ms. Emily Sheffler and Ms. Jordyn Dean –
also spoke to the Norwin School District Safe Schools Committee
in a meeting that included law enforcement officers and other
emergency responders. The District-wide Safe Schools Committee
will be expanded to include more students, staff, and parents.
Students also provided their views on building entry security
and made recommendations for ways to increase security. Other
key recommendations included student surveys, the creation of a
High School Student-Teacher School Safety Advisory Committee,
and information about to which staff members they should report
apparent mental health issues among their peers.
Nine Norwin
High School
students met with
Superintendent
Dr. William Kerr
to discuss school
safety on April 24th
and May 1st.
In a related development, Norwin School District participated
in a school safety exercise on June 4, 2018, involving the
Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety, Allegheny
Health Network – Forbes Regional Hospital, law enforcement
agencies, and other emergency responders. The exercise’s
purpose was to test the capabilities of School District personnel in
response to a simulated emergency, and to continually improve
Norwin School District’s safety preparedness.
Additionally, Norwin Principals and Administrators are engag