September 1, 2022
To all Parents and Guardians,
Passport Academy Charter School is committed to keeping a safe environment for our students. We are constantly looking into ways to improve the overall safety of our students and staff.
Safe2Say Something
Safe2Say Something is a school safety tool run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “Say Something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
To learn more please visit safe2saypa.org
Drills
The students and staff of your school will be practicing 4 primary emergency drills each year. They are “FIRE DRILLS”; “LOCKDOWN DRILLS”; “SHELTER-IN-PLACE DRILLS”, and “EVACUATION DRILLS”. Each type of drill is explained below.
FIRE DRILLS
The school will conduct a “fire drill” each month that school is in session. This is a Fire Code requirement as well as a requirement for all Pennsylvania public schools. We want each student to understand and be aware of the importance of this drill and not be afraid when the fire alarm is sounded. By practicing they will know what to do and how to do it.
LOCKDOWN DRILLS
The school will conduct one “Lockdown Drill” periodically throughout each school year. This type of drill will secure the school building and safely shelter all students, staff and visitors inside the building. The purpose of this drill is to keep the students safe from any danger outside or inside the building. During a “lockdown drill” all of the perimeter doors to the school building will be locked and will remain locked until the danger or issue outside or inside the building is removed. To enable everyone to remain safe, no one will be allowed to enter the building or leave the building until the drill is completed.
SHELTER-IN-PLACE DRILLS
The “Shelter-in-Place” drill will be conducted each school year. The purpose of this drill is to be prepared to move to a safe location within the building in case of severe weather or tornados.
EVACUATION DRILLS
During an “Evacuation Drill”, students will be safely escorted along a designated evacuation route to one of our pre-determined evacuation sites. At the conclusion of the drill, all students will be escorted back to the school.
For the safety of everyone involved and to maintain order, we respectfully ask that you would abide by the following during these drills:
• Do not come to the school campus
• Do not call the school offices (as they will be busy with the drill or actual emergency)
• Do not contact students or staff members via cell phone or social media (as they will be busy with the drill or actual emergency)
• Avoid social media posts. Correct information will be disseminated through our automated system as soon as possible.
• Please make sure that your contact information is current at all times so that you can be reached without delay in the event of an emergency.
• In the event of an actual emergency evacuation, you will receive notification where to pick up your child as soon as practicable.
Please remember that these safety practice drills are done to help maintain our schools as a safe place to learn and work.
Sincerely,
Raymond Rall
Safety and Security Coordinator
