Dear VCSD Families,
As a parent, community member and superintendent, I look at the current state of society, the fear of uncertainty, and the worrying that causes instability, and I ask myself, when is enough enough?
With so many factors to consider, I’d be remiss not to acknowledge that along with the current social-emotional crisis, comes safety concerns. Not only are we confronted with horrific mass shootings happening around our country, but we also know of others who carry the weight of a more private trauma, including self harm, drug use, domestic violence, and other social emotional concerns.
School safety and mental health go hand in hand. It’s a community issue, a state issue, a national issue, and we have to partner together and understand situational awareness. Violence and tragedy can happen at any time or place. Being aware of your environment and taking each threat seriously– whether it’s self harm or violence towards others – is what we all must do. As I reflect on our current and future practices, I feel confident that our district is working, and will continue to work, to ensure that we are creating a welcoming environment that fosters developmental and academic success.
The Voorheesville Central School District remains focused on student wellbeing. This year the district began a “See Something Say Something” campaign, and we are in the process of planning a more encompassing, age appropriate, district-wide program through a partnership with law enforcement for next year. We have counselors in each of our school buildings and this year we added a second social worker. This link has information that our school counselors presented to the Board of Education showing how students are supported.
Voorheesville Central Schools has developed a comprehensive district safety plan and building level safety plans that are continuously assessed and improved upon. The Albany County Sheriff’s Department and NYS troopers helped develop these plans that are reviewed and analyzed throughout the year. Law enforcement are school partners. They perform up to three security checks a week inside our buildings and areas around the premises.
Other VCSD proactive measures:
- Monthly safety meetings with the district safety team, state troopers, first responders, and the Albany County Sheriff’s Department.
- Staff are trained on how to respond to emergency events and practice drills throughout the school year.
- Perimeter checks are done by assigned staff members to ensure our buildings and entryways are secured throughout the day.
- Video cameras located on school grounds, buildings and buses are used to monitor and address issues.
- Alarm systems are activated each evening.
- There is a single point/monitored entrance for each of our school buildings during the school day.
- The district is waiting for approval from the NYS Education Department to begin construction on a secure vestibule for the Middle School which is funded by the previous voter approved capital project.
- Similarly, we are developing a plan to create a secure vestibule entryway in the Elementary School as well.
- The NYS Office of Mental Health comes in often to set up informational booths for our students’ needs.
- Our peer mentoring program for middle and high school students is making a difference.
- Individualized student teams help our students develop and grow.
- The district provides wellness newsletters for our families and they are shared on google classrooms for our students. The idea for the wellness newsletters came out of a parent focus group.
I am very proud of the partnerships we have with our families. Communication is key! To make sure we reach our school community in the event of an emergency, we have a mass notification alert system. The district predominantly uses email to let parents know what is happening at school. However, in the event of an emergency where time is of the essence, we reach families through phone or text messages.
It can be difficult for anyone at any age to process trauma, grief, and violence. Here are some resources you can utilize in your conversations.
- Talking to Kids about Violence (from National Association of School Psychologists)
- Nine Tips for Talking with Kids about Trauma
During these times we have shown we are one school, one community, one heart. We come together over adversity and keep moving forward to support one another and to protect the future of Voorheesville.
Sincerely,
Frank Macri
Superintendent of Schools