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School Newsletters
REFLECTIONS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Tuesday, May 2 , 2007
HURRAY, HURRAY……IT IS THE FIRST OF MAY.
I normally say that each May. It is a fun time of the year, both professionally and personally. It is the month that two of our sons (Vince and Jim) were born and in the high school principal’s world, it is a very busy, busy month.
Today, however, did not start out as a “hurray, hurray” day. At about 5:30 a.m. this morning, I received a call indicating that a there was a suspicious looking bag in the hall at Lincoln High School.
When a determination is made that something appears to be “not right” or suspicious, our crisis management training has taught us to follow a specific plan. Law enforcement officials were called in and the school was temporarily placed in full lockdown status.
The suspicious package turned out to be a school backpack in the hallway. The situation was declared resolved at 7:02 a.m. Most students and staff were still not on campus. To the vast majority of people, the day began like any other normal school day.
In this reflections, I have included the press release that was created for our local media. The press release was read to all students and staff at the beginning of the school day on Tuesday, May 2.
I have also included an additional announcement that I read to everyone at the beginning of second hour during the daily announcements. Again, both announcements are found at the end of this newsletter.
When and how to implement a crisis plan is always a balancing act. When decisions are made in crisis situations, it seems like some individuals feel the decision-makers overreacted and some think that not enough was done. I have come to accept that.
We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding in these situations. As parents, please reassure your kids. Please remind them there is a certain amount of risk in whatever we do and that people are doing all they can to maintain a positive school environment. As adults, what we say and how we react to these situations will go a long way in determining how our kids react to such situations.
Please know, however, that school safety is a constant and huge concern for all of us. We live in a different world today. For that reason, we must take the appropriate action when necessary.
MEDIA RELEASE, MAY 1
The following announcement was released to all local news media.
On Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at approximately 5:30 a.m. a package sitting outside of a classroom on the north end of LHS was suspicious looking in nature, and because of its initial appearance our crisis plan was implemented. The Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department joined WRPS employees in implementing the plan.
Our crisis plan was immediately implemented based on these circumstances. At 7:02 a.m., it was determined that the package was in fact a school backpack.
Lincoln High School appreciated the fine cooperation and immediate response from the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department. As is the case in all these situations, the safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance and concern.
Normal school routines and programs began at 7:02 a.m. Students and busses were allowed in the parking lot and school resumed at 7:42 a.m.
MEDIA RELEASE, MAY 1
The following announcement was read during regular morning announcements.
THIS IS A BRIEF FOLLOWUP…to this morning’s announcement. We would like to clarify an important piece of this morning’s activities. It was reported that there was a “bomb threat” to LHS. While indeed that is accurate, it is important to note that it was a backpack that appeared suspicious. And because of that we implemented our crisis plan. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time. Again, any questions about these mornings’ events can be referred to the high school office.
Gus Mancuso
Principal
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