In light of recent media activity, we wanted to make you aware of current protocols/procedures that are in place that help to keep your children safe. Among these include the following:
All exterior doors are locked at all times.
All visitors are instructed to enter the building through the Main Office front doors. No adult visitor is admitted into the building for any reason without photo identification.
All classroom doors are locked and closed at all times. Entry into classrooms is provided only to students and badged adults.
Lockdown drills are practiced several times per year. Current practice dictates that I, as Principal, will inform teachers a few days ahead of time so that they can appropriately prepare their students through discussion and practice, and I inform the students using the AM Announcements at the beginning of the day of the lockdown drill. I do not pre-inform the community, but I will communicate when our drill is completed so that you may talk with your children as needed.
Teachers go through a yearly training/refresher with LCPS Safety & Security (our last one was in April, and our next one is in October) that reviews all facets of security protocols, including lockdowns, shelter in place, holds, and evacuate (you know these as fire drills). New staff are trained immediately upon arrival to LCPS. This training reviews these steps, as well as other protocols, such as “see something, say something” and the “Run, Hide, Fight,” model that is used as a last resort.
Threats that are specific in nature go through a threat assessment protocol. Locally, we use such a protocol to assess threats involving students that threaten to hurt themselves or others, but this protocol also is used to assess threats against the school/community. In both cases, those impacted are notified.
I am not aware of, nor have there been any communications provided to me, that suggest that Sanders Corner was the target of any threats generated/discussed via social media over the last several weeks.
Please note that every staff member at Sanders Corner is dedicated to the safety of all of our students at all times. When students are not safe, they do not learn. Thank you to those that have continued to ask clarifying questions as these help me to focus on the knowledge needs of the community.