Dear Parents and Students of the North Warren School Community:

December 15th, 2012

In the aftermath of yesterday’s tragic shooting please let me assure you that we are doing all we can to keep staff and students as safe as possible. 

At North Warren, we have a School Safety and Security Plan, as well as a Crisis Plan that have been approved by our Board of Education,and reviewed by the State Department of Education. We practice our security drills every month. We buzz visitors into the building, utilize visitors badges, and take other precautions as well. We have a School Resource Trooper and also involve the Blairstown Police, the Blairstown Ambulance Corps, and the Office of Emergency Management in planning and safety drills. 

Additionally, we have a security team that meets on a regular basis to consider ways in which we keep our building safe. In fact, the School Board recently had a security inspection completed by a retired police chief. We are working to implement recommendations to further “harden” our facility. Last month, we were visited by the County Prosecutor and the Chief Detective, and our discussion centered around school security. 

I would ask you to remind your students that there is a plan in place. They can do their part by not letting anyone into the building, even if they know them. Remind them also of the importance of our fire and security drills. 

Intelligence is also important. Your students may hear or see something that is strange or seems out of place. Please report these to the administration. These occurrences sometimes add up to help solve an issue or prevent a problem. 

Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones yesterday. Let us redouble our efforts to keep our community safe. 

Brian Fogelson, Ed.D.

Superintendent