Dear Parents,
We are disappointed that we were not able to celebrate Field Day today but we always want to put the safety of the children first and the weather was very unpredictable today.
We are delighted that we were able to have our first band concert since the pandemic on Thursday afternoon. Our 3rd-8th graders were treated to a performance and the band members and Ms. Ealy did a great job entertaining us!
I wanted to follow up with some information about the practices that we have in place here regarding safety. We have been working on school safety here for a number of years but the tragedy this week brings it to the forefront of everyone’s mind. First, the staff have been instructed to NEVER prop open a door and leave it unattended. If you observe this please let me know, immediately. Visitors should only be entering the building through the main lobby. Additionally, those of you who were with us pre-pandemic know that our staff and students participated in the ALICE training program. ALICE teaches staff and students practical measures to take in an emergency. There are a variety of aspects to the program but one of the main takeaways is that shelter in place is one of a number of options and that evacuation (if possible) is the best course of action. Our ALICE drills were difficult to complete with the COVID restrictions on the school but we will be back to completing them next school year. This was already in the plan but we wanted to reassure parents that we do not take school safety lightly.
UPDATE: As most of you are aware, we had an emergency situation last week during the Mission Fair. Mary Dugan, one of our Fifth Grade students, collapsed on the blacktop and suffered a severe head injury. We had to call 911. She was hospitalized and had surgery and spent most of the past week at Children’s Hospital. She is now home and recovering. Things are looking positive but prayers are always helpful. Please keep Mary and the Dugan family in your prayers.
Faithfully,
Chris Kelly
