Dear Parents and Guardians:

Nowadays, threats towards schools, students, administrators and other staff members are vastly increasing.  The Educators School Safety Network reports it has recorded 50 threats a day on average since the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Florida.  That number, compared to the previous average of 10 threats per day is staggering!

This nationwide epidemic is breeding fear, anxiety and frustration into everyone.  And social media and other electronic means do not help the situation.  We here at Shamokin Area School District want to reassure all parents and guardians that we are taking every precautionary measure to protect and defend the safety of our students.

Children are frightened.  Parents are angry.  Sadly all children experience fears, but they should be able to feel safe in school.  They should also have a stress free zone to learn but threats affect education by monopolizing classroom teaching time and wasting costly resources. 

What are we as a school doing?

In order to accomplish this we have hired armed guards and additional security, made building improvements, installed metal detectors, updated security cameras, implemented many backpack policies, educating students about bullying, implemented a dress code policy, training teachers and staff, increasing area police presence in our schools, etc.

Now, what can you do?

According to Elizabeth Englander, Professor of Psychology & Director if Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center, Bridgewater State University, a few things parents/guardians can do to help are:

• Think critically about your child’s social media use;
• Assess your child’s relationships;
• Limit screen time;
• Consider what your child might be missing out on - e.g. Sleep, Socialization;
• Talk with your child.

If you suspect your child or someone you know is having emotional struggles, please say something.  Our school counselors can be contacted at the appropriate building if you would like them to speak with a student.  Their information is:

Mr. Weller at the MHS: (570)648-5731, extension 3509

Mrs. McCabe at the MHS: (570)648-5731, extension 3507

Mrs. Fetterman at the Elem/Annex: (570)648-5721, extension 2728

Or you can contact the Northumberland County Behavioral Health / Intellectual & Developmental Services at (570)495-2040 or checkout their website at https://www.norrycopa.net/index.php/bhids/.

Jim Zack, Superintendent of Schools