February 23, 2018

Dear LCTI Community,

School safety continues to be an important facet of day-to-day life at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute. We understand many of the trials and tribulations that you may experience from the recent event in Florida. While it is challenging to come up with the right words for you, please be assured that LCTI works to maintain the safety of students and staff on a daily basis. Listed below are practices that LCTI has in place to maintain a safe and secure campus.

• School Police Officer at LCTI: a full-time armed police officer trained to work proactively with students and staff
• PA State Police: close partnerships established between administration and school police officer
• School entrances: all doors locked after students enter in morning; access by swipe card or office “buzz-in” only
• Alert Lockdown Inform Counter Evacuate (ALICE) Training:  all LCTI staff have been trained on strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event
• ALICE drills: mock scenarios for staff and students began in the 2016-17 school year and have continued on a regular basis
• Quick Response Team: a team of staff at each building trained to respond to emergencies
• Crisis Management Plan: posted in each classroom and office containing plans for handling many types of emergencies, including an active shooter event
• Student Assistance Program (SAP):  a student, staff, and community referral system utilizing trained/certified professionals who identify available supports and resources for students in crisis
• Communities in Schools (CIS):  a new service at LCTI for the identification and referral for students suffering from mental health issues
• Anonymous Tip Line: an anonymous phone line service for those wishing to report concerns regarding drugs, alcohol, weapons, and violent or dangerous acts
• District Partnership: a close relationship between administration and school resource officers amongst all sending districts.
• School Climate and Student Voices:  strong emphasis across the school on the importance of establishing positive school climate and giving students opportunities for their voices to be heard

We are continually discussing and updating our procedures. Topics of safety and security often appear on monthly administrative meeting agendas. The Quick Response team meets monthly to brainstorm and update security procedures. LCTI staff constantly seeks advice from and meets regularly with law enforcement authorities. This week alone we have had numerous meetings and contacts between police and LCTI personnel, seeking advice on school safety. 

Also, school administration has discussed the recent news of possible local and national student protests and walkouts. We will neither encourage nor discourage student walkouts, nor will we prevent students from participating or discipline them if they do. Administration will facilitate any walkouts so that they are carried out in an organized and safe fashion. Administration will also be meeting with students to understand and assist with their concerns, be aware of their plans, and to offer additional ways to express their views such as letter writing and fundraising. We want any type of protest to be a positive learning experience for students. Above all, we want their voices to be heard.

This is not an easy time for any of us, but please be assured that we will continue to create the safest and most positive learning environment possible for your children.

Sincerely,

LCTI Administration