From the desk of Robert A. Reed Jr., Ed.D, Director of K-12 Educational Programs (… and former Shamona Creek Principal)
As part of our continuous effort to improve the overall safety of students and staff, the Downingtown Area School District will be implementing a new security system in all of our schools. Raptor V-soft security system is a web-based application that is able to conduct instant sex offender screenings for all visitors and volunteers in our school buildings. The system is utilized throughout Chester County school districts as well as school districts throughout the Nation. The 16 Raptor systems were provided to the Downingtown Area School District at no cost as they were funded by a grant received by Chester County Department of Emergency Services.
Example of Raptor device
When visitors or volunteers check-in at the schools, they will be asked to present a valid state issued ID for entering into the system. Raptor will electronically check all visitors and volunteers against a registered sexual offender database, produce a visitor/volunteer badge with your photo, and will provide date and time tracking data on visitors/volunteers. Again, the overall purpose of the Raptor system is to provide an additional identification and safety measure for our students and staff.
Over the past five years, the Downingtown Area School District has focused on improving safety and security for students and staff and will continue to do so moving forward. The following list is some, but certainly not all, of the ways security has been improved:
1.) Single point entry to all schools;
2.) Swipe card access for staff;
3.) Secure entrances and vestibules;
4.) Increased security drills;
5.) Training and professional development;
6.) Hiring of Chief Security Officer;
7.) Improved partnerships with local and state police;
8.) Implementation of DASD Security Summit; and
9.) Participation in County and State Security Conferences.
Moving forward, DASD will be improving the surveillance systems in all schools – yet another layer of improving safety and security.
We feel certain the Raptor system will add an additional layer of security and will keep our schools a little safer. We ask for your cooperation in presenting your valid state issued ID when checking in at the school. Only your name, date of birth, and photo will be scanned from your state issued ID. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this very important program.
Fifth graders provided advice for the younger grades on how best to handle the PSSAs.
The school always collects and recycles the following:
In Mrs. Welsh’s January 14 email, she wrote that “5th GRADE STUDENTS across the district are united to provide support to a local food bank. They will be collecting items through FEBRUARY 6. All SC families are invited to support them in their efforts to help others in need. It is called the ‘Souper Bowl,’ but any of the following items will be put to good use.”
Shamona Creek Home & School Association 