Dear Stillwater Central School District Families,

In recent weeks, there has been a renewed focus on school safety across the country, including right here in Stillwater. Our district administration met recently to discuss some steps that we will be taking to restrict access to our buildings before and during the school day.

Effective this Monday, April 16, all doors will be locked before school at the Middle/High School, with the exception of the Lilac Gym lobby doors. The auditorium entrance closest to the student parking lot will be open for student drivers and their passengers only. These two entrances will be opened at 7 a.m., with staff supervision, and locked at 7:30 a.m. No students will be allowed in the middle/high school prior to 7 a.m.

Students who are dropped off at the Lilac Gym lobby doors from 7-7:20 a.m. will be directed to wait in the high school cafeteria, as well as students who enter through the auditorium entrance. Breakfast will be available while students wait. These students will remain under staff supervision until they are released to go to their lockers at 7:20 a.m.

The MS/HS main entrances will be unlocked for the arrival of busses and then locked again at the start of school.

At the elementary level, students are not allowed to be dropped off before 8:30 a.m., unless meeting with a teacher or taking part in an extra-curricular club. Once the school day begins, all doors are locked and checked.

Our District Safety Committee will continue to review protocols and training needs in all areas. Areas of continued focus for the committee and the district include:

• Working closely with first responders to review and update safety plan and protocols;
• An upgrade to our security camera system in our hallways, as well as the installation of strobe lights outside to alert when there is a lockdown or lock out;
• Reviewing the drills and training we conduct with students to see where they can be strengthened.

We will continue to work with students, parents, staff and community members on this critical issue. I thank you for your attention to this information. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Patricia Morris
Superintendent of Schools