Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Subject: Gloucester High School Lock Down
Dear Teachers, Staff, Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to address the recent incident involving construction safety at Gloucester High School and to assure you of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students and staff.
Yesterday, April 16, 2024, our school was placed into lockdown following a report of a construction worker brandishing a weapon near the construction staging area on the exterior of the school building. Thanks to the swift response of the Gloucester County Sheriff's Office, the individual was immediately apprehended, ensuring the safety of our school community.
As part of our construction contract, stringent security provisions are in place to safeguard our campus:
1. Background checks for all construction employees have been conducted since the beginning of the project and will continue throughout completion.
2. A detailed list of all personnel on site is maintained.
3. Construction employees must carry a photo identification badge with essential information, including their photo, name, employer, expiration date, and employee identification number.
4. The zero-tolerance policy for weapons on school property is strictly enforced.
5. Weekly Safety Orientation Meetings are mandatory for all construction employees.
6. Subcontractors or construction workers can only access student areas with an escort, and hardened walls separate construction zones from student areas.
7. Contractor and subcontractor vehicles are subject to searches, and periodic unannounced site, personnel, and vehicle searches are conducted.
8. A job site-wide safety stand-down meeting will be held every Monday, starting April 22, 2024.
9. Construction will resume on Thursday, April 18, 2025, at 7:00 AM.
We also want to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of following lockdown procedures. As we conduct after-action reviews, we recognize that drills work when everyone follows procedures and students, staff, and parents prioritize a safety mindset. It takes all of us to ensure the safety of all children and staff. As such, I thank the countless parents, staff, and students who followed these procedures.
In addition to focusing on physical safety, we recognize the importance of mental health support during challenging times. We want to remind students, parents, and staff that Care Solace is available to connect individuals interested in wellness and mental health resources. Additionally, students can speak with their school counselors for support, and employees may access the Employee Assistance Plan for assistance in coping with difficult situations.
School safety is our utmost priority, and we are grateful for the cooperation and support of the Gloucester County Sheriff's Office and our dedicated teachers and staff in ensuring the well-being of our students.
Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership in maintaining a secure learning environment.
Sincerely,
Dr. Anthony Vladu
Division Superintendent