| The emergency pick-up location for Penn Valley Elementary School will be the Lobby/Auditorium.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The District’s first priority is the safety, security, and
well-being of our students. In light of recent international events,
it is understandable that parents may be concerned about the welfare
of their children. I want to assure you that there is and has been
for many years an Emergency Operations Plan in place. The procedures
are tailored for each individual school. These plans will be implemented
should the need arise. The Administration reviews these plans regularly
and has recently revised them to reflect the aspects of current
issues.
Different actions may be taken in response to the specific emergency.
However, as a general rule of thumb, the District will take one
of two courses of action—a lockdown/shelter in place or an
evacuation. In either situation it is imperative that parents assist
us by respecting the processes that will be put into effect. This
will enable us to handle an emergency in the most orderly manner
possible, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Here is an overview of the procedures we have in place for the
safety of our students and staff.
- Each classroom in the District is equipped with an Emergency
Plan.
- Each building has its own emergency and evacuation plans (all
staff members including substitutes are versed on it).
- Each building has drill procedures for evacuations, lockdowns,
early releases, and emergency situations.
- We have developed district-wide and school-based internal and
external communication systems.
- If it is necessary to shelter in place, students will be escorted
to a central, safe location as directed by the principal or designee.
- In the event of an incident where outside air may be contaminated,
all of the ventilation systems will be shut down and the dampers
will be closed.
- Each building is equipped with emergency food and water supplies.
These are being upgraded to ensure that we have appropriate amounts
available for the number of staff and students.
- Schools are equipped with emergency supplies, including first
aid kits and “go bags”, (which have essential information
in them—student lists, emergency contact information, flashlights,
and security plans).
- District Personnel have been trained to assist in emergency
situations and counselors have been trained to help in crisis
interventions.
- Central Administration has designated personnel to assist and
respond to all schools as needed.
- Each school has a designated area established for
student pick-up. (The emergency pick-up location for Penn Valley Elementary School will be the Lobby/Auditorium).
Students will only be released to their parents/guardians or those
indicated on the student’s emergency card and that individual
may be asked to produce identification before a student is released.
Parents/guardians must remain in the designated area
until their child is brought to them.
In the event of an emergency situation or unusual event that disrupts
the students’ normal routine, the District has developed a
communication procedure to quickly and accurately inform the parents,
staff, and community of the relevant information. Communication
will occur through the District’s web site (www.lmsd.org)
and the Educational Access Comcast Channel 6. We will also notify
KYW 1060 Newsradio. Parents can also call the District Hotline at
610-645-0143 for an updated emergency message. Communication will
also occur through letters to parents, school/HSA listserves, and
phone chains.
In the event of a lockdown/shelter in place, the building(s) will
be locked with NO arrivals or departures of anyone including staff,
students or parents. We will follow our emergency procedures as
well as those directed by local and/or government agencies.
An internal communication system has been established to share
information between district office and building staff. In the event
of power, internet, or telephone failure, LMSD’s internal
communication system should remain intact through a two-way radio
system linking all schools to the superintendent’s office.
As a District we are in frequent communication with our local law
enforcement and continue to seek their advice, along with that of
the emergency personnel, for the best methods of protecting our
students and staff. To that end, we wanted to share with you what
the District is doing to provide a safe, positive, secure and caring
environment for our children. We appreciate your cooperation in
following these guidelines.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact
your school principal or the School & Community Relations office
(610-645-1977) anytime.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jamie P. Savedoff
Superintendent of Schools
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