Dear St. Serra Parents,

Within the last two weeks, I sent communications regarding two separate incidents of non-specific school threats that were posted on various social media outlets. When such threats are made on social media, they can spread quickly and create a sense of fear and panic in school communities, thus accomplishing what the perpetrators intended.

Unfortunately, we live in a society where violence can occur anywhere and anytime. Because of this sad reality, St. Serra will continue to take all threats seriously and maintain immediate and direct communication with the OC Sheriff’s Department regarding the nature of the threat, and severity of it toward our school. We will always keep our parents informed whenever an incident occurs and provide timely updates as appropriate. In addition to reporting the threat, it is essential to know that each and every staff member at St. Serra has been trained on what to do in the event of an emergency situation. Safety drills and on-campus threat scenarios are practiced throughout the year. Additionally, we have taken extra measures and installed additional equipment to secure our campus to the best of our ability. Our School Safety committee is made up of experts in law enforcement, military training, and other specialty areas related to safety, as well as parent representatives; this committee meets regularly to discuss the latest information and trends in school safety.  

It is only natural for parents to experience uneasiness, worry and anxiety when receiving information from their school that a potential threat has been made. A common reaction is to contemplate whether or not to pull your child/children from school. These thoughts and emotions are completely understandable, and each parent has a right to make their own individual decision.

Please be assured that we are fully committed to school safety as a top priority at St. Serra, and complacency in our practice and protocols is not an option. Our school community, including parents and students, must always be alert to possible threats to our school. Remember, “if you hear or see something, say something.” It is important to remember that preventing school violence requires ongoing effort and commitment from everyone involved. By working together, we can create a safe place for our children to learn, have fun, and let children be children.  

Always striving,

Tim Tolzda

Sr. Principal