Repeating the Message
Last week, the district did two very important things all in one email. We conducted both a test of our “Instant Alert” message system and included for all families a document we titled our “September Safety Supplement.” Both tasks were important– ensuring that we are able to communicate with parents/ guardians in case of a disruption to the school day is not an option, it is a critical component of our safety plan. Whether the reason to send an alert is a weather delay shared before the start of the school day or necessitated by a specific emergency at a school, there can be no opt in/opt out. The test was conducted to help identify any issues involving the contact information entered by families before the start of the school year. If there is a parent/ guardian reading this column that did not receive a message (and have reviewed for correctness their Power-School information ) we suggest they contact a secretary at the school attended by their student for assistance. The other task was equally important, as it provided an update on the district’s safety and security procedures and training. Although, for safety reasons, we can not disclose specifics, I am proud to share that everyone in the district accepts our roles to provide a safe place in which students can learn and grow. For area residents who do not have children attending our schools, but are interested in the measures in place, details can be found at drive. google.com/file/d/ 13ihqkLj4K61HzOyBW bQq67Bv3XPtLhN_/view?us p=sharing. If there is anyone who wishes to discuss our plans, I ask that they contact me to schedule an inperson meeting.
Readers will notice in the supplement that we included another reminder on student drop-off/pick-up procedures. Despite our continual reminders, we continue to struggle with parents and other motorists choosing not to follow these procedures. Each time that happens, the safety of our students and staff is placed at risk–something I don’t believe anyone intentionally plans to do. For those who are not familiar with the procedures, I will try to simplify them. At each school, there is a defined, well-marked area for student drop-off and pick-up. That includes Springfield High School, where we find the most frequency of negligence. The roadways surrounding our main campus are the preview of the Holland Police Department and Chief Reed assures us that citations will be issued to those violating the law.
Quite simply stated, unless involving the crosswalk manned by our staff in the mornings and afternoons, there is no stopping on Hall Street. Further, there is no using the recessed areas near the bus loop as temporary parking spots. We ask that either the student parking lot be used or the driveway that runs in front of the high school.
As always, I thank everyone for the awareness of your role in keeping our students and staff safe. By working together, we are #springfield strong-er.
