Communications Flow to Parents/Students during Threat or Emergency Situations

A lengthy discussion was held on how the District communicates during incidents involving potential threats to students or staff safety and other emergency situations. Dr. Stoltz reiterated that the District’s first priority is student and staff safety. It was noted that the District and local law enforcement have great working relationships, and the release of information is typically vetted by law enforcement. Student privacy, as well as ongoing investigation, often prohibits the release of the detailed information, and in the absence of information, rumors tend to develop that often overstate, misconstrue, or mislead the public.

Because the District is working to ensure student and staff safety first, that often means communication is somewhat delayed. In most recent incidents, we have found that social media and other electronic communications, such as website, text message, and email, are the fastest ways for us to communicate with parents and the public. Phone calls tend to take more time.

We ask that parents confirm their contact information is accurate and up to date. This can be done through the school office.

District Website

The new District website will be unveiled in January. Since the District’s current website can no longer be supported, options were explored, and the District will be using eSchoolView for its new website. We ask that you be patient as this will not be perfect out of the gate as some aspects cannot be included until the website is live. Based on staff, parent, and community feedback, we hope the new website will continue to be a great source of information about the District.

Feasibility

Dr. Stoltz provided the group with an update on the Feasibility Study. The Study indicated that a ‘Shovel in the ground’ will occur in 2018, but no plans are definite yet. While work is being completed, such as determining building designs, the District is currently researching property options for both a new Rossmoyne Elementary, as well as the new intermediate (5/6) on the southern end of the district.

Shout Outs

The group offered several shout outs for District programs and communications.

• West Shore Marching Band – 3^rd Place Nationally
• Cedar Cliff Pops Concert – KUDOS
• Entire Music Department has much to be proud of
• District communication via social media
  

West Shore Foundation

Mrs. Heidi Hartman provided the group with an update on the West Shore Foundation’s Gala. The event raised over $40,000, which will directly benefit West Shore students and staff. She also informed the group about the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community event being held on May 19, 2018. More information will be forthcoming, but the goal is to get District/Schools to form teams.

Community members are reminded they can submit ideas for future topics of discussion to any District Voice representative.