Superintendent Letter re: Robb Elementary School

Dear Abington School District Community,

The Abington School District joins the nation in expressing our sadness and shock at the horrific events at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. In the wake of a trying two years, it is a difficult reminder that safety goes beyond just the health and wellness of our students and staff, and unfortunately extends to their physical safety and security within our school buildings.

Mental Health and Coping Resources

First, we are extremely sensitive to the stress, anxiety, and fear that this incident will cause for many in our school community. Our school counselors, psychologists, and social workers are prepared to speak to any students and staff this week who would like some support in coping with the aftermath of this tragedy. Students and their families may proactively seek out their support, or staff may refer a student who they perceive as potentially struggling with the news. This can be done by contacting the school’s counseling staff directly, or emailing Student Services. 

In the aftermath of a school tragedy, it is important that educators and parents/guardians provide appropriate information and support to children and adults who may be experiencing anxiety and stress. At such times, it is also important for communities to renew their commitments to taking steps to ensure school and community safety. We encourage you to speak with your student if they are struggling to cope with the news of this tragedy, and we recommend using the following resources as a guide. 

Safety and Security

In addition to prioritizing the mental health of our students and staff, their physical health remains of the utmost importance in Abington School District. We have extensive safety measures in place:

• Exterior doors are locked and visitors must enter through a secure lobby in order to sign in at the main office. 
• There are alarms, video surveillance and security personnel in key areas. Please contact your building principal immediately if you see any areas of vulnerability, including propped doors, improper locking of entrance doors, etc.  
• We have an extensive Emergency Operations Plan that was prepared in collaboration with the Abington Township Police Department, which guides our response to emergency situations. Staff members are trained to implement emergency procedures and we participate in practice drills throughout the year. Students receive training as well, including participation in announced lockdown drills during the school year. 
• It is important to know that we will continue to work with the Abington Township Police Department to review our procedures as more information is learned from this tragic incident, including resulting recommendations that may be applied to our schools.
• If anyone in our school community needs to report a student who may pose a threat to themselves or others, they should contact the school principal or one of the following members of the Threat Assessment Team: Dr. James Melchor  (215-881-2508); Mr. Steve Hochwind (215-881-2554); or Dr. Robert Rosenthal (215-881-2552). Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously online at Safe2SayPA.orgor by calling 1-844-SAF2SAY (1-844-723-2729).
• For more information on school safety, please visit our website. 

It cannot be said enough that the health and safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance. We hope that you will find the provided resources helpful. As always, we recognize that support from the home and family is critical to the District in providing the most effective learning environment possible for our students. I remind you that you can contact Student Services with any additional support you may need. 

Regards,

Jeffrey S. Fecher, Ed.D. 

Superintendent of Schools