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Bomb Threat

Early this morning, a bomb threat was called into the XXXXX office. Our office staff immediately responded with the appropriate protocols. All students and staff were evacuated and emergency personnel were contacted.

In abundance of caution and in order to give emergency responders time to ensure the building was safe, buses were called so students could be housed while the building was being searched. Emergency responders confirmed the building was safe and there was no credible threat. Students returned to class and resumed normal activities.

We appreciate the students, staff and parents for their calm, swift reaction to the evacuation. We also thank the XXXXX Police Department and XXXXX Fire Department for their immediate response and support.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Bomb Threat

Knife Incident

Working in partnership with parents to provide open communication and ensure the safety of all students, I wanted to inform you of an event that occurred today. We received a report that a #th grade student flashed a knife on the school bus this morning. Administrators took immediate action and called the XXXXX Police Department. We acted promptly to confiscate the weapon and begin disciplinary action.

The student was taken into custody by the XXX Police Department. It is Board of Education policy that any student who brings a weapon on school property or to a school sponsored event faces disciplinary action. Providing a safe and secure learning environment is of top priority for our school system and we take these incidents very seriously. Extensive security measures are in place to help us maintain a safe environment.

As parents, you can help. Please take this opportunity to speak to your child about the importance of school safety. While peer pressure is an influence at this age, we want to encourage students to feel comfortable reporting any information they may have about situations that may compromise their safety and the safety of others. Working together we can maintain an environment where students are free to focus on learning.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you should have any concerns.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Knife Incident

Shooting Incident

The tragic shooting incident at Fairbanks North Star Borough School District on DATE 20XX was horrific and incredibly frightening, especially for those who work in schools and have young children. Our hearts go out to the parents and families affected by this tragedy. In times like these, it is important that we, as parents and educators, monitor our children’s reactions, and gauge our response accordingly.

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) provides the following tips to help children deal with the aftermath of this tragedy.

• Provide a developmentally appropriate, clear, and straightforward explanation of the event.
• Return to normalcy and routine to the best extent possible while maintaining flexibility.
• Let children know that it’s okay to feel upset or angry.
• Be a good listener and observer.
• Provide various ways for children to express emotion, such as through journaling, letter writing, talking, making a collage, or music.
• Focus on resiliency as well as the compassion of others.

The NASP has developed a resource for addressing violence titled Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers. Additional information can also be found at www.nasponline.org

It is important to keep in mind that an event like this is rare and that schools are one of the safest places for children and youth during the school day. Should you choose to talk with your children about these events, it may help to emphasize that schools are safe places and that all schools conduct drills to ensure safety.

Rest assured that safety is our first priority. Should families need further information or resources, please contact your school principal. District counselors remain available for any student in need of assistance.

Thank you for your support.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Shooting Incident

Student Assault

A student in XXX #th class was the victim of (assault, violence, attack) on DATE. XXXXX is currently receiving care at (medical center/hospital). We are saddened by this tragic event. Your child’s class had the opportunity to talk to (counselors, teachers, Crisis Response Team) about some of their concerns.

During this time, your child may be feeling confused and have a lot of questions about this situation. It is important to listen to your child and discuss his or her concerns. We have attached some information that you may find useful on how to help your child deal with this issue.

We will keep you informed on XXXXX progress and ask that you keep XXX in your thoughts. Please feel free to call the school office at if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your concern and support.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Student Assault

Threat- General

This letter is being sent home with students to provide you with accurate information, to discourage rumors, and to ask for your assistance. As you are aware, several recent threats of violence have occurred at local elementary and high schools in Fairbanks North Star Borough School District—mostly in the form of (bomb threats, pellet guns, etc.).

As with other threats, we have filed police reports and are working with law enforcement and staff members to assure all school sites are safe. We will not tolerate threats of any nature, especially when they continually disrupt the school day and result in countless hours of work to determine their validity and secure the safety of students and staff. In an effort to eliminate such disruptions, the district has instituted the following policies and procedures:

• (List policies put in place such as holding meetings with students at each school level, make- up time for school closures, rewards for catching the perpetrators, silent witness hotline and telephone bulletin board with updates on information.)

We need to come together as a community of students, parents, and school personnel to end this disruption of student learning. I urge you to talk to your children now and impress upon them the seriousness of threats in today’s society. Ask them to notify you or school personnel should they hear of any planned or potential disruptive behavior.

The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority, and we will continue to be vigilant. Please feel free to call my office (telephone number) if you have any questions or comments.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Threat- General

Threat- School

This letter is to inform you of an incident that occurred at our school (if other location, describe) today. We want to make sure you have accurate information and dispel any rumors you may have heard about the incident.

Describe the incident in detail (i.e., weapon on school grounds, fight, threatening note or graffiti, etc.) and the steps that were taken to remedy it.

We take this incident seriously, and I ask your help in addressing the important issue of student safety. Please take a moment to review our school safety policies with your child.

• (List the safety policies and consequences for infractions.)

Please check your child’s backpack each day and make sure that they bring to school only those items that belong here. For XXXXX to remain a safe haven for children, we must all —parents, staff, and community members—work together to provide the safe environment that our children deserve.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to call my office. Thank you for your support and assistance in keeping our schools safe for children.

XXXXX

Principal

Editable Google Doc: Threat- School