A follow-up note regarding district safety and security – from the WVCSD Superintendent

Please read this follow-up letter from the WVCSD Superintendent regarding district safety and security:

Dear Warwick School Community,

We continue to follow the aftermath of last week’s tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by these unthinkable events.

This continues to be a distressing and anxious time for all of us, and we are encouraged by the outcry of community support, questions, suggestions and offers of assistance. We especially appreciate your understanding as we strive to remain focused on the well-being and safety of our students.

Last week, I sent parents a note describing the safety/security enhancements the district has made over the past few school years. These enhancements were recommended by a safety consultant following a formal School Security and Vulnerability Assessment.

At times like this, the school district’s responsibility to keep our students safe comes into sharp focus in the public eye. This charge has always been taken very seriously by our administration and staff, but we recognize an opportunity to implement additional short-term and long-term enhancements.

While the District does not share specifics of our schools’ safety/security plans, please be aware of the following important changes, effective immediately:

• The District now has a full-time Warwick Police Officer in each of our four schools: Park Avenue Elementary, Sanfordville Elementary, Warwick Valley Middle School, and Warwick Valley High School.
• Three security guards have been added at the secondary schools for the instructional day, as well as the after-school activities period.
• The Middle School/High School campus is now closed to all visitors from 10:30 am-11:30 a.m.
  Parents are asked to plan any visits before or after this time period.
  Parents may pick up and drop off students at the HS during unit lunch, but anticipate a delay, and please consider scheduling future appointments at a different time.
• We have built strong relationships with local law enforcement and emergency responders, and we will continue to strengthen our collaboration through consistent communication.

The events in Florida have sparked strong student responses around the country, including the organization of a National School Walkout on March 14. The District and High School administrators have received requests from some of our students to participate in this event. The High School administration and faculty will support these students in making their statement peacefully, under adult supervision. With student safety in mind, this event will be limited to high school students, and details will remain confidential.

Our school leaders and staff will continue to build relationships with all of our constituencies, always prioritizing our students’ safety and trust.

As always, thank you for your support and involvement in our schools.

Dr. David Leach
Superintendent
Warwick Valley Central School District