What if?
Editor E T Russell____
February 23,
2018____ The tragedy of Valentines Day, February 14, 2018, that occurred at Marjory
Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, within minutes sent shockwaves
throughout our United States. We seem to
have more aftershocks while we seek normality but mental peace, especially for
parents doesn’t seem to be close. We’re asking questions that have no answers.
Parents of BVUSD School Children
ask the ‘What if… questions. What could happen?
Are our schools secured? etc. etc?
Last Friday and Saturday I learned from parents about the Phone Calls to
local parents, initiated by the Bear Valley Unified School District Staff. Parents reported how reassuring the phone
conversations were and appreciated the efforts to communicate and stay
informed.
BVUSD Superintendent Mary Suzuki
released the comments on the Phone Calls and Suzuki’s announcement she made on
Big Bear Valley’s radio, KBHR, today, February 23, 2018.
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“This is Mary Suzuki, Superintendent of
Schools with an important message. We are deeply saddened about the active
shooter event that occurred yesterday at a Florida High School resulting in
injuries and loss of lives. Today you may see the presence of local law
enforcement at our schools. I want to reassure you as parents and guardians and
employees of the school district that we are working closely with local law
enforcement and have safety plans in place at all school sites. Our staff has
completed active shooter training and we have a comprehensive safety committee
in place which oversees all types of potential disasters. We are working with
an evidence-based program that assists us with creating protocols for all
schools and all grade levels. Student and staff safety is our top priority.
Thank you.
RADIO: This is Mary Suzuki, Superintendent of
Schools for the Bear Valley Unified School District.
Due to the recent school shooting in Florida,
everyone throughout the country is at a heightened level of awareness and many
of you may have questions about the preparedness of our schools. I want
to take this opportunity to reassure our community that Bear Valley Unified School District’s Staff is working
closely with local law enforcement, fire department, Mountain Mutual Aid
Association and a District-wide Safety Committee. We have safety plans in place
at all school sites. Our staff has completed active shooter training and we are
prepared for all types of potential disasters including fire, earthquakes and
lockdowns. We are working with outside consultants who have expertise in this
area and continue to provide information to us on any modifications that may be
beneficial to update our protocols. During March and through the end of the
year we will be conducting school-wide drills to ensure our students and staff
understand the lock-down procedures and safe evacuation process.
Student and staff
safety is our top priority.
According to Homeland Security, If you see something you know
should not be there—or someone's behavior that does not seem quite right—say
something. Because only you know what is supposed to be in your everyday.
Informed, alert communities play a critical role in keeping our nation safe.
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