Dear Families,
With recent events in the nation, it reminds us that the safety of our children can never be taken for granted. While these tragedies have brought an increased interest regarding safety in schools the District has continually been addressing safety issues. The District has active school and district safety committees that continually review and update existing security and health procedures across the school district. Building Safety Teams have revised incident plans and have undertaken training and studying of best practices provided by the State Education Department and Homeland Security Department. Thankfully, local municipalities and community resources have been graciously cooperating with the District in addressing ongoing emergency planning and continue to prove to be great partners. To that end, both the Monroe County and Livingston County Sheriffs have increased routine patrols outside of our schools.
What procedures are already in place in HF-L?
- Keeping all exterior doors, except the main entrance to each building, locked throughout the buildings.
- Reinforcing entries that can be locked down immediately at all facilities.
- Requiring all staff to wear and display photo ID badges.
- Requiring all visitors to HF-L to be always screened at entrances and wear visitor badges.
- Upgrading video surveillance systems to HD digital cameras with hard drives, which enable the District to share access to its video systems with the police and fire responders during emergency situations.
- Keyless entry system upgrades and installation of additional FOB access points.
- Updating phone, fire alarm and public address systems.
- The District employs Student Assistant Partners who provide added sets of eyes and years of law enforcement experience to the daily supervision and oversite in the buildings.
- Each school conducts simulated lockdowns and other safety drills.
- Each year every staff member is retrained in emergency response and threat assessment.
- The District has a robust and research-based threat assessment program.
- Key staff are trained with National Emergency Management Training, as well as FEMA and Homeland Security training.
- CPR, AED, and numerous other trainings and first aid procedures are regularly offered.
What can you do to help?
- Keep informed through the District’s newsletters, website, app, and ENews Notes.
- If you see something, say something. If it is an emergency call 911. If it is not an emergency you can call the District directly, at 585-624-7000 or leave a detailed email message on the District’ Safety Tip Line https://www.hflcsd.org/page/safety-tip-line
- Contact us immediately if you observe or become aware of any potential safety and/or security concerns.
- Keep your emergency contact information current with the school office.
- Support your PTA when they request participation in safety projects.
- Review safety precautions with your children at home.
- If a real emergency ever occurs, please follow directions provided to you as to reconnect with your child. Emergency and school officials may need to make decisions to ensure safety and preserve order. In some situations, students may be transported to alternate locations. In other situations, your child may be released to you at a specified location.
- Follow visitor policies when you come to school by going through a screening process at building entrances and wearing a visitor's badge while in the building.
The District-wide Emergency Response Plan/Safety Plan is presented annually to the Board of Education and a public hearing is held each year. The most recent public hearing was held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, where the updated plan was shared. You can review the DRAFT plan on the District website at https://www.hflcsd.org/page/district-emergency-response-plan. HFLCSD practices safety procedures regularly and are mindful of school safety every day, not just after an incident.
During this last month of school, the District will focus on the well-being of its students and staff. During this tumultuous time, principals, teachers, and other school staff have been working tirelessly to promote feelings of healing, togetherness, mutual understanding, and acceptance. We all must continue to take care of one another. Thank you for your continued support and care not only for your own children, but for all the children of the school community and beyond.