Weekly Update from the Office of the Superintendent

Volume 2, Issue 37 (May 26, 2022)

Video Update: https://youtu.be/j4jXEw0chOQ

CONTINUING FOCUS ON SAFETY & SECURITY

In the wake of recent devastating incidents in Buffalo and our country, our focus remains the safety and security of all schools. This is and has always been our highest priority. It is something we will never compromise. Over the past two years, we have taken several different steps to enhance safety and security in our buildings and I want all families to know we will take every precaution possible to protect our students and staff. The following is a summary of these initiatives:

• Single Points of Entry: A single point of entry is in place in each building. All doors are locked during the school day and entry to the building is limited to one monitored and secured entrance. Visitors are not able to enter the building without the express permission of school administration.
• More Secured Entrances: Through the ongoing Capital Project, more secured entrances are being constructed in each building as an added layer of security to compliment our Single Point of Entry procedures.
• Raptor System: As an added layer of safety and security, each single point of entry is equipped with the Raptor System. All visitors have their driver license scanned. The system generates a temporary visitor badge which visitors are required to display. The system screens against the National Sex Offender Registry.
• School Resource Officers: Through a longstanding partnership with the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, the district is fortunate to have two full-time School Resource Officers (SROs), one at Kenmore East and one at Kenmore West. SROs play an extremely important role not just in maintaining safety/security but also being a resource for students.
• Video Cameras: Through the district’s recent $4.95 million Smart Schools allocation, state-of-the-art camera systems are being installed in all buildings and elsewhere on school grounds including parking lots to enhance safety/security.
• Partnership With TTPD: In addition to the SROs, the district’s close partnership with the Town of Tonawanda Police Department has also provided:
• Dedicated officer liaisons who work closely with each school
• Risk assessments at all schools to ensure that safety plans and emergency protocols are as effective as possible and specifically tailored to each individual building layout and environment
• Active shooter training with the Town of Tonawanda SWAT team
• Collaboration to bridge the efforts between schools, families, and community policing efforts
• Increased police coverage when requested or necessitated by circumstances
• Emergency Preparedness: Schools practice a variety of emergency drills throughout the year such as lockout, shelter in place and lockdown drills. We are also building new functionality and features in our phone system to coordinate these efforts. This practice is often done in collaboration with TTPD.
• Safety/Security Planning: The district has partnered with Altaris Consulting Group, a nationally known consulting company that specializes in K-12 school security. This three-year partnership includes:
• Extensive safety and security assessments at all school buildings to identify areas where improvements/enhancements can be made
• Completion of comprehensive and consistent building emergency and district emergency response plans
• Comprehensive emergency management and response training for all administrators and emergency response teams across the district
• 24/7 emergency planning and support
• Metal Detector Wands: The district has secured metal detector wands that are able to be deployed in any school if circumstances necessitate taking an abundance of caution.
• Office of School Culture: The creation of the Office of School Culture, which is responsible for school safety/security, has provided more dedicated and centralized resources for district-wide safety/security planning.
• Proactive Planning: The district will not hesitate to take any proactive measures necessary to ensure the safety and security of its schools, such as altered arrival procedures that include metal detector wanding and searching students’ belongings before allowing them entry.

All the initiatives described above were in place prior to recent incidents but we are reminded how important it is to constantly reflect upon and improve our practice. It is also important to reflect on the mental health needs of students and families. Tragedies like the ones our nation has suffered over the past two weeks can cause tremendous stress and worry. I want all families to know that there are extensive supports available for all students and families. Just as we have been building additional layers of security in our schools, we have also been building an extensive framework for social-emotional support and preventative mental health support. The following are some examples of ways the district is addressing the social-emotional needs of students:

• The district is being proactive in increasing its mental health staff (3 counselors, 3 social workers, 1 psychologist, 2 speech pathologists, and 3 special services teachers) for the upcoming school year to best address the needs of students and families.
• After-school family counseling is available at the Family Support Center, which also connects families with other mental health services and supports. Any school district family can contact the Family Support Center at 716-874-8510.
• We are creating new partnerships with community organizations to enhance our mental health and social-emotional support services such as BestSelf Behavioral Health, Compeer, Peaceful Schools and the University at Buffalo Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (ITTIC).
• An extensive professional development plan has been developed to include training for staff on restorative practices, mental health first aid, de-escalation, and other strategies to engage and connect with students and address social-emotional needs.
• In 2022-2023, the district will be using a K-12 screener for Social Emotional Competencies to explore student strengths and next steps for social emotional growth, including targeted support and interventions.

As a community, we will stay strong and be there for each other as we struggle to cope with these terrible events. As always, we will remain united as one Ken-Ton family.

HONORING OUR NATION'S HEROES

As you know, schools will be closed on Friday, May 27th. We will also be closed on Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day. Ever since the Civil War, Memorial Day has been observed to honor our nation’s greatest heroes: the brave and courageous men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Gratitude for all those serving in the Armed Forces is something we instill in our students at a young age. We must always remember those who gave their lives for our country. As you spend time with your family, friends and loved ones this weekend, remember that it was their sacrifices that gave us the freedom that we all enjoy today.

UPCOMING DATES

• Friday, May 27 & Monday, May 30: Memorial Day Recess
• Wednesday, June 8: Gr. K-7 Early Release Day
• Wednesday, June 15-Friday, June 24: High School Regents & Local Exams
• Monday, June 20: Juneteenth Holiday (no school)
• Tuesday, June 21: Last Day of School for UPK & Gr. K-5 Students
• Thursday, June 23: Last Day of School for Gr. 6-7 Students
• Friday, June 24: Regents Rating Day