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Safety & Security Update and Available Resources

On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, several K-12 schools, colleges, and universities throughout Pennsylvania were victims of a swatting attack in which false reports of an active shooter were made to 911. Regional law enforcement agencies and the FBI are still investigating these threats and they have been communicating with and providing resources to school administrators throughout the state. Our District did not receive any reports related to this swatting attack. 

The news of these events, combined with the tragedy that occurred in Nashville, Tennessee on March 27, has been unsettling for all and has understandably raised questions about the District’s safety and security procedures. 

While we cannot share specific details of our safety and security plans, we wanted to remind the Keystone Oaks community of the following procedures: 

  • Only individuals with previously scheduled appointments are permitted to enter the buildings. 

  • Visitors must sign in to the buildings using the Raptor Visitor Management System. This system checks a visitor’s identity and runs a background check. Visitors are then given a badge to identify them while they are in the building.

  • Keystone Oaks’ School Police Officer routinely patrols all schools.

  • Local police departments have been asked to provide extra patrols throughout the day at all of the schools. 

  • Students will not be dismissed early from school unless an excuse is turned into the building secretary in the morning or if the student is dismissed by the school nurse due to illness. In the case of an emergency, a parent or guardian must call the school prior to arrival.

  • Students being dismissed early may only leave the building through the main office. All students must check out prior to leaving the building. Any student caught leaving through an alternate entrance will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct.

  • School and community groups who utilize school buildings after school hours are expected to keep doors locked and closed at all times. Anyone found to be leaving doors unlocked or open will have their privileges revoked.

  • All school campuses are closed to the public during school hours. Additionally, members of the public are not permitted to use school facilities when they are being used by students for after-school activities. 

The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority and we are continually evaluating existing measures and exploring areas where improvements can be made. The District is in the process of hiring our own security staff. We are also exploring physical improvements to security in all of the buildings. 

In addition, we remind you to utilize the Safe School Helpline or to contact a member of the Administrative Team directly to confidentially report information that may affect safety at our schools, including incidents of bullying, drug or alcohol abuse, harassment, and mental health concerns. For situations that pose an immediate threat, students, parents and community members are to call 911 immediately.

We also remind you that the Keystone Oaks School District has resources in place to help students who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, bullying, difficulties at home or in school, or other mental health issues. Referrals to our Student Assistance Program or Elementary Student Assistance Program can be made by anyone through your school counselor. 

Here are a few additional resources that may be helpful:

If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal and/or counselor. Thank you for your continued support.