A Message from Superintendent Jack R. Smith: Safe and Secure Schools

Dear Colleagues:

Though two weeks have passed since the horrific tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the impact remains fresh in the minds and hearts of our school communities. Many of you have heard from students and families about their anxieties, fears and concerns for their safety.  I cannot thank you enough for listening to and comforting our students during this time. Your support has been, and continues to be, vital in helping them process what is happening in the world around them.

I also want to thank the Board of Education for its leadership on this issue. On February 26, the Board passed an important resolution reaffirming its commitment to safe and secure schools and communities.

[Watch video of the discussion at the Board of Education meeting]

 As MCPS employees, you have dozens of responsibilities each day; none is more important than ensuring our kids are safe in our schools.  Over the coming weeks, schools will be engaging in additional scenario-based drills for emergency preparedness. While all of you have been through these exercises before, I ask that you give your full attention to the process to ensure you not only understand what to do in an emergency, but also why you are doing it.

[Watch the Emergency Preparedness Videos]

I also ask that you remain vigilant in your day-to-day efforts to keep our students safe. Last year, we began a security review of our entire system. You can find the high school interim report here and the report for middle and elementary schools will be published soon. As the review indicates, MCPS makes significant investments in security. This includes nearly 6,000 school building cameras, an Access Management System, a Visitor Management System and other key infrastructure and processes to provide a safe learning and work environment. However, none of these tools is as powerful or effective as the eyes and ears of the teachers, support staff and administrators in our schools and facilities. If you notice something that is of concern, from a building issue to specific student behavior, share that with administrators and the Department of School Safety and Security. 

While you are supporting our students and schools, please know that MCPS is here to support you. I know the anxiety and fear stemming from the tragedy in Florida does not just belong to our students. MCPS provides resources to staff through the Employee Assistance Program on a variety of topics, including stress and trauma.  More information on the available resources is here: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/eap/

Thank you again for all that you have done and continue to do for our students.

Sincerely,

Jack R. Smith, P.hD
Superintendent of Schools