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(4/13/18) - A letter from the Superintendent
Published on Apr 13, 2018 10:15

Dear Cumberland Valley families:

In school districts across the country, concerns of ensuring student safety continue to dominate discussions since the tragedy in Parkland, Florida, nearly two months ago. Cumberland Valley School District certainly is not immune to these concerns and conversations.

With that in mind, I am writing to you today to make you aware that the Board of School Directors last week voted unanimously to approve a contract for services with a consultant who specializes in school safety. The consultant will review our emergency plans, will complete a risk and vulnerability assessment, and will deliver additional staff trainings, as necessary, that are individual to each building based upon findings.

Also at that same meeting, the Board considered the first read of a new policy, #218.2 Terroristic Threats, which was under consideration and development earlier this year. The policy goes above and beyond that of our discipline policies. It seeks to address specific issues related to the danger that threats and/or acts of harm by students to themselves or others presents to the safety of district students, staff, and the community.

The board’s actions are not to underscore the importance of the everyday safety measures, annual audits, and supports that are already in place. As previously shared, we currently review and update, as needed, our safety plans in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, and ongoing conversations occur between both parties in regards to procedures in the event of emergencies. This partnership is paramount to student safety.

Equally as important, however, is the partnership between the school district and our families. As we have shared in prior communications, we encourage our parents/guardians and students to continue to remain vigilant. Parents/guardians should regularly monitor their child’s personal and digital footprint, and are encouraged to immediately report any concerns to the school district and to any appropriate authorities. Please encourage your children to do the same. If you believe a child may be in need of mental health/behavioral support, please also know that parents/guardians and students may make a confidential referral through our online form available at www.cvschools.org/SAP. These are important steps in a multi-pronged approach toward student safety.

Cumberland Valley School District has many supports in place to assist our students. Such supports include, but are not limited to:
-- Student Assistance Program
-- On-staff school counselors, behavior specialists, school psychologists, and social worker
-- A contract for services with Laurel Life, which provides a host of behavioral health services.

Additionally, we strongly encourage families to visit the National Association of School Psychologists’ website, www.nasponline.org, or the American Psychological Association’s website, www.apa.org. Both NASP and APA offer a host of resources for both families and school personnel, including information on mental and behavioral health and information regarding how to address societal concerns.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor or principal should you have any concerns.

With sincere appreciation,

Dr. Frederick Withum III
Superintendent of Schools

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