Message on Safety from the Superintendent

March 01, 2018

The past few weeks have been heartbreaking and frightening to those related to schools. It is a shame that we must have such a focus but it is, and a top priority at Hilldale is the safety of our students and staff. We work routinely to review safety and security on campus, from procedures and locking doors to student pickup and drop off. We have our School Resource Officers (SROs) on campus to assist us with a variety of safety measures. The balance with safety is to provide the most secured environment that we can without turning our school into a threatening, prison-like environment!

 

Times have changed. We must help students (and adults) understand that they cannot say things that are now interpreted as a threat or intimidation. This includes comments that are written or voiced and comments put on social media. Please talk to those around you to exercise restraint in the information they share on social media. So often, the information is not accurate and creates confusion and fear that is unwarranted. I appreciate your help as we learn to be cautious in what we say and post! We must also teach our students, and adults, that if you hear something, say something. Almost always, someone suspected and even knew of a plan to harm those at school. Tell a teacher, an administrator, an SRO – tell someone. From there, we will work to determine the validity of a threat. There is a difference between telling and tattling – let’s all practice that!

 

Schools are a mini-version of the community they are in, and Hilldale is no different. We have the same strengths and the same challenges that are in our community. We can work together to provide a safe and educational environment for our students. We treasure that you have confidence in us to share what you hold most precious – your children. We take that seriously and will continue our focus on them!