January 29, 2007

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As noted in previous letters and articles, we are writing today to update you on recent actions taken concerning safety and security measures in the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District. The recent incidents of school violence have given us pause and concern, once again, regarding the ongoing challenge of safety in our schools. Those events strengthen our resolve to put forth our best efforts instituting school safety plans throughout the District.

On January 23, 2007, the School Committee had a very productive and extensive meeting with members of both towns’ Boards of Selectmen, Chiefs of Police and Fire, all eight building principals, and District administrative staff. This meeting was another step in our continuing efforts on school safety. At that meeting we exchanged ideas and concerns regarding school safety. Together with our partners in town government we will work to continue our dialogue to ensure, as best we can, safe and secure schools in our District. We continue to review issues with all the buildings and will continue to make changes.

We are currently using a variety of funding sources including state and federal grants, as well as monies set aside from the budget at the beginning of this school year. We have developed a multi-phase approach and have nearly completed the first phase, which focused on the exterior of Minnechaug and the entrances to all the other schools. We have repaired doors, installed magnetic locks, positioned cameras and improved signage. Our next phase will include improvements to the interior security of Minnechaug and attention to other exterior entrances at the other schools.

Most importantly, however, we have learned that security requires the cooperation of everyone involved not only during the day but during after-school hours as well. Students, staff and parents have adapted well to the changes we have made during daytime hours. Our next challenge will focus on making adjustments once school ends each day. We have instituted a part- time security team at Minnechaug. A security officer will be available each school day from 3:30 to 6:30. The officer’s primary job will be to ensure that people who enter the building do so with a specific approved purpose. In addition, the officer will assist students, staff and visitors with any issues that require his expertise. The team is comprised of well-trained safety professionals who work directly for the District. In addition to the security team, we will continue to implement changes regarding access to the building which will require your support. Entrance through specific doors, parking, and circulation throughout the building has been designed to improve security. There will be changes that will require your cooperation.

School safety is an ongoing process of evaluation, reassessment, and communication. Only an uninformed person would believe that we could prevent every possible security breach. However, that does not mean our work stops. We continue to refine and evaluate our safety protocols as warranted. We are fully aware that the District schools are facilities that are intended for community use. Our challenge is to balance this need with safety and security in mind. If you have suggestions, we encourage you to contact either of us.

Sincerely,

Scott R. Chapman	Paul C. Gagliarducci
Scott R. Chapman, Chair	Paul C. Gagliarducci, Ed. D.
Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee	Superintendent of Schools