Safe, Secure, Connected - A Letter From The Superintendent
Dear Clarkstown Parents and Guardians,
Today, more than ever, the safety issues confronting our students, our community and our nation are extremely serious and require collective attention. It is my strong belief that as educators and school professionals, our greatest responsibility is to provide a safe learning environment for the children in our care.
The Clarkstown Central School District takes proactive measures to prevent, prepare and respond to a variety of emergency situations. Our principals lead emergency response teams at each school to ensure the readiness of students and staff. We have strong partnerships with the Clarkstown Police Department (CPD), local emergency management and first responders, as well as county, state and town safety and mental health officials.
Safety measures are in place and are evaluated on an ongoing basis. They include:
- Multi-Hazard Comprehensive Safety Plans for Each School and Districtwide
- Required Annual Safety Training and Drills for Students and Staff
- Crisis Communication Plans and a Rapid Call and Email Communication System
- School Resource Officers (CPD) at all Secondary Schools
- Key Card ID Badge Access
- Security Cameras
- Controlled Entry via Intercom and Camera Systems
- Ongoing Investment in Facilities Upgrades Including Doors, Locks, Windows, Lighting
In addition, the District offers a number of public programs and school assemblies on key safety topics facing our students such as opioid and alcohol abuse, cyberbullying, smoking and vaping, depression and suicide prevention. We encourage you to attend these events with your children. To learn more about these programs, visit our webpage at www.ccsd.edu/safety.
The most effective way to create a strong and secure safety network for our students, staff and school community, is for each of us to make safety a priority and partner together. Please take a moment to review the enclosed brochure and discuss it with your child(ren). Ask them about the drills they participate in and encourage ongoing dialogue about safety issues.
Thank you for entrusting your children to our care. As always, safety is the top priority of our District.
Sincerely,
Martin D. Cox
Superintendent of Schools