Dear Valor Families,
In living up to our commitment of keeping ourselves and others safe, Valor continues to explore options to improve our safety protocols and building security features. We will be hosting a Valor Safety Q&A session for caregivers. The purpose of the session is to share some high level safety measures we currently have in place, some plans on the horizon, and hear any questions, concerns, or ideas that our families may have. Details below:
When: Tuesday May 16th 2023
Where: Zoom: https://valorcollegiate.zoom.us/j/6320625326
Time: 6pm- 6:45pm
To ensure that we can get to as many questions as possible, please add your questions document linked here (column A) Safety Session Q&A. Below is a recap of what we have previously shared just after the events at the Covenant Church Private School.
“Over the last several years, I have been committed to keeping myself, my boys, and the Valor community safe. With the help of the leadership team, we have made several changes to our building security. Below is a list of additional security measures we have added over the last 4-5 years…
- Added window film to all of our entrance doors and windows to prevent visibility into our buildings
- Invested over $300K in security camera and security access control systems on our campuses
- We have increased onsite security on our campuses during arrival and dismissal times.
- Installed emergency radios in every one of our buildings that have immediate access to law enforcement
- Upgraded our lockdown sirens to ensure full coverage of our school buildings
- Reviewed our emergency and crisis plans annually to adjust for any new requirements or changes to standard protocols for schools
- Built partnerships with the local Midtown Hills MNPD precinct as well as the new School Safety Division of MNPD, to provide:
- Additional patrols in our area
- Speedy response to any emergency call
- Crisis response assistance
- Feedback on our current safety and emergency protocols
- An annual assessment of our campuses, and feedback on how we can make our spaces safer.
- Provided an additional training video on how to respond to an active shooter emergency
And with all of that, I still know that we can (and should) always be looking for ways to improve the safety of our campuses. We are actively considering the following as a leadership team…
- Additional armed security guard patrol presence outside long-term. Note: this has been added for the remainder of this school year and will start this Monday, April 3rd
- Enhancement to our glass storefront doors and windows (ballistic or bullet-resistant coatings)
- Upgrades to our lockdown software and sirens
- Reviewing our current building locks and doors, to ensure that every classroom door is capable of being locked inside and everyone knows how to execute this (We believe this is the case, but want to review to be 100% sure).
- Additional training for faculty and students “